Tag: sumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 8-the halfway point-of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Kitanowaka (M17) beat Aoiyama (J1)
Churanoumi (M15) beat Tomokaze (M14)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Oho (M12) beat Roga (M16)
Tamawashi (M12) beat Tohakuryu (M15)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat NIshikifuji (M16)
Hiradoumi (M11) beat Tsurugisho (M13)
Endo (M8) beat Kotoeko (M10)
Ryuden (M10) beat Hokuseiho (M7)
Mitakeumi (M8) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Takanosho (M6)
Kinnbozan (M7) beat Onosho (M5)
Mirodifuji (M5) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Meisei (M2)
Takayasu (M3) beat Ura (M1)
Abi (K) beat Daieisho (S)
Shodai (M2) beat Kotonowaka (S)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Asanoyama (M1) beat Takakeisho (O)
NIshikigi (M4) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Kirishima (O) beat Hokutofuji (K)
Leader: Ichiyamamoto (7-1)
Yokozuna Watch: It’s all but over this time for Takakeisho, who has now lost 2 straight after a close one today against the returning Asanoyama. He can only finish 12-3, which is currently 2 off the pace and probably isn’t ideal as a win total for the championship and promotion. We’ll see. But there is hope for Hakkaku (Chairman of the Japan Sumo Association) as both Kirishima & Hoshoryu are among NINE at 6-2, and a second championship for either one gives them a chance to earn promotion in the January tournament.
Ozeki Watch: Kotonowaka now needs to win out or win the tournament to have any real chance at promotion after 2 straight losses now.

Juryo:
Shimanoumi (J12) beat Fukai (Ms3)
Shiden (J12) beat Asakoryu (J13)
Yuma (J13) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Akua (J10) beat Tenshoho (J10)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Takakento (J9)
Daiamami (J4) beat Takahashi (J9)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Tokihayate (J8)
Kagayaki (J3) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Oshoma (J3) beat Daishoho (J7)
Chiyoshoma (J6) beat Bushozan (J3)
Shimazuumi (J2) beat Shishi (J5)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Onosato (J5)
Leader: Kotoshoho, Onosato, Shiden (6-2)
RE-ENTRY: Chiyomaru (J8). Will return tomorrow. Withdrawal on Day 4. Unfortunately for him demotion is already guaranteed as he is the equivalent of 0-8 (0-4-4). But he can save his salary and Juryo ranking with at least 2 or 3 wins.
Of note; That’s 6 straight wins for Kotoshoho after an 0-2 start as he handed Onosato only his second loss. Aoiyama was in the top tier and lost to fall one off the pace. At the bottom, it’s looking like one and done for September Makushita Champion Hitoshi as he is now one loss from demotion at 1-7. Also, Chiyoshoma managed to win his 3rd straight without a HENKA! (sidestep at initial charge. Not illegal but generally the fans hate it) today.

Lower tier notes: With Promotion Day 1 wrapped up, the Makushita has 7 tied for the lead at 4-0, including Hakuyozan who will return to Juryo in January from Ms1 and September Sandanme Champion Kitaharima with a chance as well if he wins the championship (he is at Ms11). After his win today, former Sekiwake Wakatakakage is currently 2-2 at Ms6, probably won’t make it back up to Juryo even if he finishes 5-2. In the Sandanme, 11 are 4-0 and there is a slight chance of stablemates facing off for the championship as 2 of the co-leaders are from Sakaigawa Beya (Asonoyama at Sd1 and Katsunofuji at Sd85). In the Jonidan, 12 are tied at 4-0 with 2 Beyas having 2 co-leaders (Onoe & Musashigawa). Finally, in the Jonokuchi there are 2 at 4-0 who are heading for a final face-off if they keep winning.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 7 of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Tomokaze (M14) beat Roga (M16)
Tsurugisho (M13) beat Churanoumi (M15)
Takarafuji (M13) beat Kitanowaka (M17)
Oho (M12) beat Nishikifuji (M16)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Ichiyamamoto (M14)
Ryuden (M10) beat Kotoeko (M10)
Mitakeumi (M9) beat Tohakuryu (M15)
Tamawashi (M12) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Hiradoumi (M11) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Shonannoumi (M6) beat Takanosho (M6)
Hokuseiho (M7) beat Midorifuji (M5). This match went almost 7 MINUTES! Long enough they had to take a water break
Endo (M8) beat Onosho (M5)
NIshikigi (M4) beat Kinbozan (M7)
Takayasu *M3( beat Meisei (M2)
Ura (M1) beat Kotonowaka (S)
Shodai (M2) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Hokutofuji (K)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Abi (K)
Kirishima (O) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Takakeisho (O)
Leader: Hoshoryu, Kotonowaka, Ichiyamamoto (6-1)
RE-ENTRY: Asanouama (M1). Will return tomorrow. Missed first week due to a torn calf muscle suffered in the October tour. Will be the equivalent of 0-7, meaning either he wins out and gets promoted to Komusubi in January or will be demoted, although a 7-1 finish may keep him at M1 (he would be 7-1-7 or the equivalent of 7-8)..That could be a VERY BIG if because guess who he gets first tomorrow? Takakeisho.
Of note: That’s 2 of 3 Ozeki beaten by Gonoyama, making him an Oustanding Performance Prize candidate if he can get to promotion before it’s over (he’s currently 3-4). Hokuseiho-Midorifuji may have been one of the longest matches ever, only the second time I’ve seen a mid-match water break necessary (usually if a match goes 3 1/2-4 minutes or longer. They use salt to mark the wrestler’s positions before they break and then resume a couple minutes later). It’s worth noting they are the largest and maybe smallest rikishi in the top tier, respectively, in terms of height (Midorifuji is also the smallest currently in terms of weight. Hokuseiho is about a foot taller too, standing roughly 6’10”).
Yokozuna Watch: Takakeisho still has a chance but that loss today hurts. He’s still very much in it at 5-2 but probably has to win out. If Hoshoryu can win out or go 7-1 and win another championship now, he’ll be on the radar in January.
Ozeki Watch: Kotonowaka took his first loss today but still is very much alive if he can finish 7-1 or better or win the tournament.
Because of withdrawals & returns we’ll have a Juryo man up again starting tomorrow, and first it’ll be the recently demoted Aoiyama, who is 5-2 at J1 with a good chance right now at a January return. His demotion meant this tournament does not have a top tier rikishi from Kasugano Beya in 56 years, which was the 2nd-longest active streak in sumo. The longest active streak? Sadogatake Beya at now 59 years (since November 1964), and it’s not stopping anytime soon given their highest-ranked rikishi is now at Sekiwake (Kotonowaka) and they also have Kotoeko plus the recently-demoted Kotoshoho (we might see him up on Day 9 now). The new #2 is Tokitsukaze Beya at 28 1/2 years (May 1995).

Juryo:
Asakoryu (J13) beat Yuma (J13)
Shiden (J12) beat Kitadaichi (Ms3)
Takahashi (J9) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
Tokihayate (J8) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Tamashoho (J7) beat Hidenoumi (J11) by default/withdrawal
Shimanoumi (J12) beat Daishoho (J7)
Chiyoshoma (J6) beat Tenshoho (J10)
Shishi (J5) beat Akua (J10)
Onosato (J5) beat Takakento (J9)
Oshoma (J3) beat Shimazuumi (J2)
Bushozan (J2) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Mitoryu (J4)
Aoiyama (J1) beat Daiamami (J4)
Leader: Onosato (6-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Hidenoumi (J11). Torn left calf muscle suffered yesterday. Out 2 weeks. Tournament over. Will finish the equivalent of 4-11 (4-3-8), tough break because he was 4-2 after a win yesterday. Very borderline on demotion to Makushita as a result but I think that will send him down, but only to Ms1 or 2, making for a chance to return in March. But he MIGHT-emphasis on might-get pity taken on him and only fall to J14.

Lower tier notes: With a 4-0 record so far at Ms1 and promotion secured (one of 4 tied atop Makushita so far), Hakuyozan will return to Juryo in January after being demoted this time. That stops a 3 tournament losing streak that saw him demoted from J6 in May. Also still with a chance at a Juryo return is Kitaharima, the September Sandamne Champion who is also 4-0 at Ms11 (he’s had a cup of sake in the top tier, reaching M15 for one tournament in his 21-year career).

Reminder: Because tomorrow is the halfway point-Day 8-NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top-tier coverage in English tomorrow beginning at 12:10 AM PT/3:10 AM ET.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 6 of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Kokusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Tomokaze (M14) beat Kitanowaka (M17)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Nishikifuji (M16)
Roga (M16) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Tsurugisho (M13) beat Tohakuryu (M15)
Churanoumi (M15) beat Tamawashi (M12)
Ryuden (M10) beat Oho (M12)
Myogiryu (M9) beat Kotoeko (M10)
Hiradoumi (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M8)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Kinbozan (M7) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Takanosho (M6) beat Onosho (M5)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Endo (M8)
Noshikigi (M4) beat Hokuseiho (M7)
Ura (M1) beat Meisei (M2)
Abi (K) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Shodai (M2) beat Daieisho (S)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Hokutofuji (K)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Kirishima (O)
Takakeisho (O) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Takayasu (M3) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Leader: Kotonowaka, Ichiyamamoto (6-0)

Juryo:
Tochimusashi (Ms3) beat Yuma (J13)
Shiden (J12) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Akua (J10)
Asakoryu (J13) beat Tenshoho (J10)
Takakento (J9) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Daishoho (J7)
Choyoshoma (J6) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Onosato (J5) beat Tokihayate (J8)
Takahashi (J9) beat Shishi (J5)
Oshoma (J3) beat Bushozan (J2)
Shimazzuumi (J2) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Aoiyama (J1) beat Mitoryu (J4)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Daiamami (M4)
Leader: Onosato (5-1)

Lower tier notes: Going into the Leader Promotion Days starting tomorrow (Day 4 of 7), 14 are ties for the Makushita lead at 3-0 so any who win tomorrow or Sunday will be promoted. Not among them is Wakatakakage, and it probably means the former Sekiwake now has no chance to get back to Juryo in January from Ms6. He lost today and is now 1-2. 5-2 won’t do it. We’re also down to half the Wakas in Makushita as older brother Wakatakamoto was a withdrawal on Day 5. In the Sandanme, 22 are tied for the lead at 3-0. In the Jonidan, 23 are tied at 3-0 while the Jonokuchi has 4 at 3-0.

UPDATE: Hidenoumi has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 7. Unknown why but more when I find out, hopefully tomorrow. Tamashoho will get the freebie tomorrow. Hidenoumi was 4-2 after beating Daishoho yesterday. He was at Juryo 11 for this tournament so if he can’t return, it’s probably demotion to Makushita.
Also, Nikkan Sports reports Asanoyama, who is at Maegashira 1 but missed the first week due to a torn calf muscle, will return on Day 8. That means he’s in the equivalent of an 0-7 hole and must win out to reach Sanyaku in January. Just one loss the rest of the way means demotion.

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Tohakuryu (M15) beat Roga (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Kitanowaka (M17)
Nishikifuji (M16) beat Tsurugisho (M13)
Churanoumi (M15) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Tomokaze (M14) beat Tamawashi (M12)
Hiradoumi (M11) beat Ryuden (M10)
Mitakeumi (M9) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Oho (M12) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Kotoeko (M10)
Shonannoumi (M6) beat Endo (M8)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Kinbozan (M7)
Onosho (M6) beat Hokuseiho (M7)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Takanosho (M6)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Shodai (M2)
Hokutofuji (K) beat Abi (K)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Daieisho (S)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Ura (M1)
Takakeisho (O) beat Takayasu (M3)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Kirishima (O) beat Meisei (M2)
Leader: Hoshoryu, Kotonowaka, Atamifuji, Ichiyamamoto (5-0)
Of note: On their English language replay, NHk World Japan had to heavily edit the Hoshoryu-Gonoyama pre-match stuff because Hoshoryu STARED FROZEN at Gonoyama for a good 90 SECONDS before putting his hands down to start the match. We saw about 30 seconds though. Their commentator today, Murray Johnson, mentioned he could overhear his stablemaster (a guest on Japanese commentary for NHK) noting in Japanese he was going to have a talk with Hoshoryu about this. Nikkan Sports reports Hoshoryu got a warning from the referee. Hoshoryu also gave Gonoyama his patended “stinky face” eye glance/stare post-match, when that happens you can tell he is en fuego. Do keep in mind he is the nephew of famously hot-headed Yokozuna Asashoryu.
Yokozuna Watch: Takakeisho bounced back from his first loss yesterday and is 4-1, one win off the lead.
Ozeki Watch: Kotonowaka is on the verge of promotion contention now. He needs 13 wins to reach the minimum of 33 over the last 3 tournaments that usually is needed (but not required), but winning the tournament almost certainly would earn promotion.

Juryo:
Oshoumi (Ms2) beat Asakoryu (J13)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Yuma (J13) beat Tenshoho (J10)
Shiden (J12) beat Akua (J10)
Daishoho (J7) beat Takakento (J9)
Takahashi (J9) beat Chiyoshoma (J6)
Tokihayate (J8) beat Shishi (J5)
Tamashoho (J7) beat Onosato (J5)
Shimazuumi (J2) beat Mitoryu (J4)
Bushizan (J2) beat Daiamami (J4)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Oshoma (J3)
Aoiyama (J1) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Leader: Bushozan, Tamashoho, Onosato, Yuma (4-1)

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 4 of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makiuchi (Top Tier):
Kitanowaka (M17) beat Tohakuryu (M15)
Churanoumi (M15) beat Nishikifuji (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Tomokaze (M14)
Roga (M16) beat Tsurugisho (M13)
Tamawashi (M12) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Hiradoumi (M11) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Kotoeko (M10) beat Oho (M12)
Myogiryu (M9) beat Hitaleumi (M9)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Ryuden (M10)
Kinbozan (M7) beat Hokuseiho (M7)
Takanosho (M6) beat Endo (M8)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Onosho (M5)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Shodai (M2) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Abi (K)
Hokutofuji (K) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Ura (M1)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Takayasu (M3) beat Kirishima (O)
Meisei (M2) beat Takakeisho (O)
Leader: 6 at 4-0
Of note: At least one unbeaten will go down tomorrow because of Daieisho-Kotonowaka, who are both 4-0.

Juryo:
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Yuma (J13)
Asakoryu (J13) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Shimanoumi (J12) beat Akua (J10)
Tenshoho (J10) beat Shiden (J12)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Takakento (J9)
Daishoho (J7) beat Takahashi (J9)
Chiyoshoma (J6) beat Tokihayate (J8)
Onosato (J5) beat Chiyomaru (J8) by default/withdrawal
Tamashoho (J7) beat Shishi (J6)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Bushozam (J2)
Daiamami (J4) beat Shimazuumi (J2)
Apiyama (J1) beat Oshoma (J3)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Leader: Onosato (4-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Chiyomaru (J8). Left shoulder. Status uncertain. Happened during yesterday’s match. If he can’t return he will be demoted to Makushita. He needs to return and probably get at least 3 wins to stay in Juryo. Onosato got the free win as a result.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 3 of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi. S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Nishikifuji (M16) beat Roga (M16)
Churanoumi (M15) beat Kitanowaka (M17)
Tomokaze (M14) beat Tohakuryu (M15)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Tsurugisho (M13)
Takarafuji (M13) beat Oho (M12)
Tamawashi (M12) beat Hiradoumi (M11)
Ryuden (M10) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Mitakeumi (M9) beat Kotoeko (M10)
Myogiryu (M9) beat Endo (M8)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Kinbozan (M7)
Shonanoumi (M6) beat Hokuseiho (M7)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Takanosho (M6)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Onosho (M5)
Nishigiki (M4) beat Abi (K)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Daieisho (S) beat Takayasu (M3)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Meisei (M3)
Kirishima (O) beat Shodai (M2)
Takakeisho (O) beat Ura (M1)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Hokutofuji (K)
Leader: 10 at 3-0
Of note: Rare Technique Alert! Kotonowaka won by Osakate, a twisting backwards over arm throw, which has not been used in the top tier in 13 years.

Juryo:
Asakoryu (J13) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
Yuma (J13) beat Shiden (J12)
Shimanoumi (J12) beat Tenshohp (J10)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Akua (J10)
Hitoshi (J11) beat Takakento (J9)
Tokihayate (J8) beat Chiyomaru (J8)
Takahashi beat Tamashoho J7)
Daishoho (J7) beat Shishi (J5)
Onosato (J5) beat Chiyoshoma (J6)
Oshoma (J3) beat Mitoryu (J4)
Daiamami (J4) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Shimazuumi (J2)
Bushizan (J2) beat Aoiyama (J1)
Leader: Bushozan, Onosato, Yuma (3-0)
Of note: Chiyomaru may have been injured in his match against Tokihayate. Had to be helped up and possibly wheelchaired out afterwards with an apparent left arm/elbow injury. Status uncertain.

UPDATE: Chiyomaru has WITHDRAWN on Day 4.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 2 of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi. S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top tier):
Kitanowaka (M17) beat Roga (M16)
Tohakuryu (M15) beat Nishikifuji (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Churanoumi (M15)
Tomokaze (M14) beat Takarafuji (M15$
Tamawashi (M12) beat Taurugisho (M13)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Oho (M12)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Hiradoumi (M11)
Ryuden (M10) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Mitakeumi (M9)
Hokuseiho (M7) beat Endo (M8)
Takanosho (M6) beat Kinbozan (M7)
Shonannoumi (M6) beat Onosho (M5)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Nishikigi (M4)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Hokutofuji (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Takayasu (M3)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Meisei (M2)
Takakeisho (O) beat Shodai (M2)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Ura (M1)
Kirishima (O) beat Abi (K)

Juryo:
Takerufuji (Ms1) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
Yuma (J13) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Shiden (J12) beat Azumaryu (J14) by default/withdrawal
Asakoryu (J11) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Akua (J10) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Takakento (J9) beat Tenshoho (J10)
Takahashi (J9) beat Chiyomaru (J8)
Tamashoho (J7) beat Tokihayate (J8)
Onosato (J5) beat Daishoho (J7)
Shishi (J5) beat Chiyoshoma (J6)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Daiamami (J4) beat Oshoma (J3)
Shimazuumi (J2) beat Aoiyama (J1)
Bushozan (J2) beat Kotoshoho (J1)
WITHDRAWAL: Azumaryu (J14). Left knee injury suffered in yesterday’s loss. Status uncertain. If done for the tournament or more than a week, his long slow demotion out of the top 2 tiers this last year-plus after his first and only promotion in the top tier is now complete (I believe that was his last winning record). Shiden got the free win as a result.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 1-Opening Day-of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Kitanowaka (M17) beat Nishikifuji (M16)
Churanoumi (M15) beat Roga (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Tohakuryu (M15)
Tsurugisho (M13) beat Tomokaze (M14)
Tamawashi (M12) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Oho (M12) beat Hiradoumi (M11)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Kotoeko (M10)
Ryuden (M10) beat Mitakeumi (M9)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Kinbozan (M7) beat Endo (M9)
Hokuseiho (M7) beat Takanosho (M6)
Shonannoumi (M6) beat Midorifuji (M5)
Onosho (M5) beat Nishikigi (M4)
Abi (K) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Takayasu (M3) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Meisei (M2)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Shodai (M2)
Kirishima (O) beat Ura (M1)
Takakeisho (O) beat Hokutofuji (K)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Terunofuji (Y), Asanoyama (M1). Terunofuji-Back/hip (herniated disc). Out the entire tournament. 3rd straight absent. His 2023 will finish with only one tournament he lasted the full 15 days in, but that was his May Championship. He either wins the championship or doesn’t finish. Will return in January per stablemaster Isegahama. Still no real pressure from the Yokozuna Deliberation Committee to possibly retire as he did join the October tour for a while, but he’s never going to truly be 100% again between his knees, back and other health issues (namely diabetes). Asanoyama-Torn left calf muscle suffered late in the tour. Questionable to return during the tournament. Will attempt to return if able to., especially because he is motivated by coming just short of his stated goal of making it back to Sanyaku by the end of this year. Just a win or two short.
On a side note, YouTube source Chris Sumo reported before the tournament that if Kotonowaka ever gets promoted to Ozeki, he will change his ring name to Kotozakura. The son of stablemaster Sadogatake needs to win the tournament to have any chance of promotion this time (mathematically he could also become eligible with at least, I think, 13 wins).

Juryo:
Hakuyozan (Ms1) beat Azumaryu (J14)
Shiden (J12) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
SHimanoumi (J12) beat Asakoryu (J13)
Yuma (J13) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Tenshoho (J10) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Akua (J10) beat Takakento (J9)
Tokihayate (J7) beat Takahashi (J9)
Tamashoho (J7) beat Chiyomaru (J8)
Chiyoshoma (J6) beat Daishoho (J7)
Onosato (J5) beat Shishi (J5)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Daiamami (J4)
Kagayaki (J3) beat Oshoma (J3)
Bushozan (J2) beat Shimazuumi (J2)
Aoiyama (J1) beat Kotoshoho (J1)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Hakuoho (J8). Shoulder. Not a surprise as it was announced after July he would have surgery for a separated shoulder and be out the rest of the year. Will return in January barring a setback. Will be demoted to Makushita but should be high enough to have a chance to return to Juryo in March. If what happened this time to Wakatakakage in September is a comparison, and it’s a good one as I believe he was J7, look for Hakuoko to wind up around Makushita 7 or 8 and need one-maybe two-tournaments to get back up.

Lower tier notes: Former Sekiwake and Emperor’s Cup winner Wakatakakage, demoted to Makushita 6 and losing his salary for the first time in a long time, returned for this tournament following knee surgery and recovery. This was on the best-case end of the timeframe for return, which initially was 6 months to 1 year (it’s right about at 6 months). He lost his first match to Kayo, meaning he will need to win out and finish 6-1 to have any reasonable chance to return to Juryo in January (at least if 6-1 wins the tournament again, which is unusual). Also debuting today was Onokatsu, the final wrestler to earn the Makushita 15 debut ranking for pre-pro accomplishments (there were recent rule changes to do away with that following Hakuoho debuting at that rank). He lost his first match so it’s safe to say he won’t match Hakuoho’s now-never-to-be-matched record of making it to Juryo in just one tournament after debuting. Among the notable withdrawals are Kiho (Ms2), just demoted from Juryo after 2 straight tournament at the equivalent of 6-9 (dealt with injuries in both) and Fujiseiun, who just a couple tournaments ago was in Juryo but will now be demoted to the Sandanme after pulling out from Ms46. Former top tier wrestler Enho, now at Sandanme 22, is also out as he continues to try and return from a major back injury. He recently returned to training under former Yokozuna Hakuho, his stablemaster (Miyagino). He’ll almost certainly drop to Jonidan in January, I would call him doubtful for that tournament right now.

It’s that exciting time again-now that we’re just under 2 weeks away from the next tournament, the Japan Sumo Association has just announced the Banzuke (rankings) for the November 2023 Tournament in Fukuoka. Click below to see the rankings for the top 2 tiers and other notes:

Continue reading “Sumo-November 2023 Banzuke Announced”

Developing sumo news-Nikkan Sports reports Stablemaster Kokonoe has been SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY for allowing a minor (underage) wrestler, who was not identified due to age, to drink alcohol while accompanying Kokonoe on the current autumn tour (exhibition events held throughout Japan in even months between Grand Sumo tournaments). Kokonoe was acting as deputy director for the tour. The minor wrestler is also suspended indefinitely. No word yet on if this will include the November tournament in Fukuoka. Both Kokonoe and the wrestler have apologized in person to the Japan Sumo Association.

UPDATE: According to Nikkan Sports and YouTube channel “Chris Sumo”, the latter being a reliable English-language sumo news source with insider connections, the wrestler was identified as Chiyoshishi. He is 18, which is underage for alcohol consumption in Japan (legal age is 20 or 21), and currently ranked in the Sandanme, but having gone 6-1 at Sd68 in September he would have a slight chance to reach Makushita in November. If he is not suspended for the November Tournament that is. He almost certainly would be above his career best rank so far which is Sd33 in 14 career tournaments (including one Absent tournament). He is definitely done until then-hospitalized for alcohol poisoning and sent home.

UPDATE 2: Chris Sumo now reports Chiyoshishi has retired from sumo. Personal decision and not forced. His latest YouTube video update essentially translates the earlier Nikkan Sports report into English.