Tag: sumo

Below is the final Hoshitori for the July 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament-the finals standings based on the Banzuke (rankings) and some early thoughts on rankings for September.

Continue reading “Sumo-July 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament Final Standings & Notes (Top 2 Tiers) (Updated x2)”

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the July Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Continue reading “Sumo-July 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament Day 15 Results (Final Day) (7/23/23)”

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14-the penultimate day-of the July 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top tier):
Tamashoho (J5) beat Bushizan (M16)
Koyoshoho (M13) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Kinbozan (M10) beat Shonannoumi (M14)
Endo (M16) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Gonoyama (M13) beat Takanosho (M9)
Hakuoho (M17) beat Hokutofuji (M9)
Aoiyama (M17) beat Nishikifuji (M8)
Daishoho (M14) beat Takayasu (M7)
Kotoeko (M11) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Tsurugisho (M11) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Meisei (M3) beat Hokuseiho (M6)
Shodai (M2) beat Oho (M6)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Ryuden (M15) beat Nishikigi (M1)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Chiyoshoma (M12)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Ura (M4)
Abi (K) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Onosho (M5)
Asanoyama (M4) beat Kirishima (S). Kirishima kadoban…
Leader: Hakuoho, Hokutofuji, Hoshoryu (11-3)
Of note: There will be a first-time top tier champion tomorrow. The question is who. Here’s how it looks: Hokutofuji is up first and faces Nishikigi, who fell out of contention with his loss today. If Hokutofuji wins, there will be a playoff because Hakuoho & Hoshoryu face each other. If Hokutofuji loses, the Hakuoho-Hoshoryu winner is the champion. If Hakuoho emerges the champion, he will be the second-youngest Emperor’s Cup winner ever (he’s not even 20) and the first for former yokozuna Hakuho, the greatest ever, as a stablemaster (he is now Miyagino). If Hoshoryu wins, he is virtually guaranteed promotion to Ozeki. He also would be one step closer to achieving promotion to yokozuna like his uncle, former Grand Champion Asashoryu. If Hokutofuji wins, it will be the first time in 60 years that a rikishi whose stablemaster is the Chairman of the Nihon Sumo Kyokai (Hakkaku) won the title. Elsewhere, the final day matchups unfortunately deny Ryuden a Hail Mary chance for the championship as he now has 10 straight wins after starting 0-4. Kotonowaka should finally be promoted to Sekiwake after managing 10 wins for the first time in Sanyaku. And as noted above, unfortunately more bad news for the Kyokai-both Ozeki will be in kadoban status in September as Kirishima now can’t finish with 8 wins due to 2 days absent. Takakeisho missed the tournament due to injuries. Asanoyama managed to save promotion chances after missing 4 days with injury. But Kirishima had to withdraw last-minute on opening day due to an injury. His fighting spirit and resolve is unquestionable and admirable, but now maybe second-guessing as to was coming back on Day 4 the right call?
Ozeki Watch: It’s pretty simple now-if Hoshoryu wins tomorrow he is all but guaranteed promotion. If it means the Championship, call it definite. If it goes to a playoff and he loses to Hokutofuji, I would still call it very probably as he would be right at 33 wins and have a finish equivalent to a championship. If he loses, toss-up as he would be at 32 wins with a runner-up finish. The general benchmark is 33 but Hakkaku has cautioned that’s not set in stone. If Hoshoryu loses tomorrow and does not get promoted, the magic number in September for another chance will be 11. Wakamotoharu & Daieisho can’t make it now but Daieisho can give himself another decent chance in September with a final day win after the unpopular HENKA! for a quick win. Ironically Wakamotoharu also pulled the HENKA! but Hoshoryu caught it and still won. He will still have a chance in September but will all but have to win the championship-if he beats Asanoyama tomorrow he’ll need 13 wins. If he loses, he’ll need 14. Same for Daieisho, who faces Takanosho. Realistically, they’ll need a championship.

Juryo:
Tochimusashi (Ms2) beat Chiyonoumi (J14)
Onosato (Ms3) beat Hidenoumi (J12)
Mukainakano (Ms3) beat Shimanoumi (J10)
Tsushimanada (J7) beat Hakuyozan (J11)
Azumaryu (J6) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Shiden (J13)
Akua (J8) beat Oshoma (J4)
Chiyosakae (J10) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Yuma (J14) beat Ichiyamamoto (J3)
Takakento (J8) beat Shimazuumi (J3)
Shishi (J12) beat Roga (J2)
Churanoumi (J7) beat Mitoryu (J2)
Kagayaki (J1) beat Tomokaze (J9)
Daiamami (J9) beat Atamifuji (J1)
Leader: Atamifuji, Daiamami, Tomokaze (10-4)
Of note: IT’S WIDE OPEN! Forget the 3 tied for the lead, anyone up for perhaps a SEVEN-WAY PLAYOFF?!? Thank the Kyokai because it could happen. None of the leaders face each other tomorrow, meaning the 4 at 9-5 still have a chance at a playoff. How does that happen? Here’s how: First, Shishi beats Daiamami in the second match of the day. Second, Kitanowaka then beats Tomokaze. Third, Tamashoho then beats Chiyosakae. Fourth, Akua then beats Atamifuji. Fifth and finally, Kagayaki beats Churanoumi in the final match. That would put Shishi, Daiamami, Kitanowaka, Tomokaze, Tamashoho, Atamifuji and Kagayaki all at 10-5. If any of the co-leaders win, at worst it’s a 3-way playoff.
On a side note, they also made the sumo “civil war” happen, pairing Roga, who is from Russia, against Shishi, who is from Ukraine. Ukraine won this round as Shishi beat Roga, possibly denying Roga promotion to the top tier (he can maybe still get there tomorrow is he wins his final match, putting him at 9-6 at J2 but I think he’ll still lose the numbers game with both Atamifuji & Kagayaki promoted). For the record, this was their first-ever meeting. Although all the Makushita men won, none will reach Juryo and Tochimusashi, a former Juryo champion, has already been demoted. The others finish 4-3.
Also tomorrow will be the playoff for the Sandanme championship.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE AND FREE top tier coverage of the final day, including the final matches and potential playoff, awards ceremony and champion’s interview, beginning tomorrow at 12:30 AM PT/3:30 AM ET. You can watch online and via mobile/tablet/smart TV apps. There is no login/signup required and the service is available worldwide.

UPDATE: Ahead of the top tier final matches, here are the Special Prize winners:
Outstanding Performance (winning & best record with most wins against Yokozuna & Ozeki): Nishikigi
Fighting Spirit: Hakuoho, Hokutofuji. Conditionally (must win today): Hoshoryu, Kotonowaka, Gonoyama, Shonannoumi
Technique (winning record with most different winning techniques used): Hakuoho

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13-Championship Day 1-of the July 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (Top tier):
Aoiyama (M17) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Takarafuji (M15) beat Chiyoshoma (J12)
Gonoyama (M13) beat Tsurugisho (M11)
Kotoeko (M11) beat Bushozan (M16)
Ryuden (M15) beat Kinbozan (M10)
Hokutofuji (M9) beat Endo (M16)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Daishoho (M14)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Hokuseiho (M6)
Takanosho (M9) beat Onosho (M5)
Meisei (M3) beat Oho (M6)
Takayasu (M7) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Asanoyama (M4) beat Shodai (M2)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Ura (M4)
Hakuoho (M17) beat Nishikigi (M1)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Abi (K)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Daieisho (S)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Kirishima (O)
Leader: Hokutofuji (11-2)
Of note: Massive late shakeups today now have Hokutofuji possibly in position for his first championship after Nishikigi took his second straight loss. But Nishikogi, Hoshoryu & Hakuoho all still have a chance at 10-3. If the super-rookie Hakuoho wins it all, he will become the second-youngest rikishi ever to win the Emperor’s Cup. And while he can only hope to force a playoff, that’s 9 straight wins for Ryuden after an 0-4 start. Kirishima’s loss now means he must win his last 2 to avoid kadoban status, and tomorrow brings a tough one in (a banged up) Asanoyama, who is fighting to save promotion.
Ozeki Watch: It’s probably over for Daieisho. His loss to Wakamotoharu means he can’t get to 33 wins or win the tournament. 10-5 is now the best he can do. Wakamotoharu still has a very slim chance to win the championship at 11-4, but otherwise it’s all on Hoshoryu. If he wins his last 2 he gets to 33 wins and he still can win the championship. Next up is his first Sekiwake Showdown tomorrow with Wakamotoharu. Final Day foe would depend on tomorrow’s results.
Key matches tomorrow: Hoshoryu-Wakamotoharu, Hokutofuji-Hakuoho, Nishikigi-Ryuden. If Hokutofuji, Ryuden and Wakamotoharu all win tomorrow, Hokutofuji is the champion. Otherwise it goes to the Final Day.

Juryo:
Ishizaki (Ms5) beat Hidenoumi (J12)
Shiden (J13) beat Akua (J8)
Chiyonoumi (J14) beat Takakento (J8)
Hakuyozan (J7) beat Yuma (J14)
Shimanoumi (J10) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Shishi (J12) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Churanoumi (J7) beat Oshoma (J4)
Shimazuumi (J3) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Ichiyamamoto (J3) beat Tsushimanada (J11)
Chiyosakae (J10) beat Mitoryu (J2)
Roga (J2) beat Azumaryu (J6)
Atamifuji (J1) beat Tomokaze (J9)
Daiamami (J9) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Leader: Atamifuji, Tomokaze (10-3)
Of note: The championship will now go to the Final Day. Mathematically 7 still have a chance but realistically it’s down to the co-leaders and 9-4 Daiamami. And Daiamami faces Atamifuji tomorrow in an eliminator. Tomokaze faces Kagayaki, who with a win and Daiamami win would keep his faint playoff hopes alive. At the bottom, Tsushimanada looks headed to Makushita at 2-11, even 4 wins at J11 would probably not be enough. Ishizaki won today to likely finish 5-2, he’s a toss-up reach Juryo from Ms5 but I don’t think he will get there in September (there will be 2 Juryo demotions for sure-maybe 3 with Kiho withdrawing on Day 12 but I think 7-8 at J13 keeps him at J1). He would probably need one more match which happens on rare occasion for those not in title contention. However, of the top 4 Makushita ranks only one will be promoted for sure (Tokihayate at Ms1) and only one has a guaranteed promotion (Takahashi, 4-2 at Ms4). May depend on if Takahashi wins his last match and how many top tier demotions there are (right now there will be 2 for sure-Bushozan and the absent Wakatakakage-and could be up to 2 more).

Makushita:
Tokihayate (Ms1) beat Tochiseiryu (Ms54). TOKIHAYATE MAKUSHITA YUSHO! The first career championship for Tokihayate, who will be promoted back to Juryo in September.

Sandanme:
Wakaikari (Sd86) beat Haruyama (Jd15)
Asahakuryu (Sd44) beat Fujitoshi (Sd8)
PLAYOFF! Wakaikari vs. Asahakuryu will be held on the Final Day for the Sandanme championship.

Jonidan:
Oginosho (Jd38) beat Kazeyuki (Jd87). And because Haruyama then lost in the Sandanme…OGINOSHO JONIDAN YUSHO! The first career championship for Oginosho, who will be promoted to the Sandanme.

Jonokuchi:
Anosho (Jk18) beat Masarufuji (Jk4). ANOSHO JONOKUCHI YUSHO! First championship in his Debut.

RETIREMENT: Chiyonokuni (Ms5). Nikkan Sports reports he retired today and will become Sanoyama Oyakata & mentor subordinates. A series of retirements set this up and Chiyonokuni is expected to eventually become a mentor at Kokonoe Beya, his stable. He had been inactive since withdrawing on Day 10 of the May tournament due to injuries (knees). He finishes his career with a record of 539-452-180 (win-lose-absent), 199-216-95 in the top tier, 7 championships (3 Juryo, 2 Makushita, 1 Sandanme, 1 Jonidan), 2 Special Prizes (both Fighting Spirit) and 1 Kinboshi. He debuted in 2006 and reached a career highest ranking of Maegashira 1.
The former Sanoyama Oyakata will now become Toshiyori “Hokujin”. (UPDATE: The Nihon Sumo Kyokai has confirmed this in a Twitter post)

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the July Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top tier):
Oshoma (J4) beat Daishoho (M14)
Aoiyama (M17) beat Kinbozan (M10)
Myogiryu (M10) beat Takarafuji (M15)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Takanosho (M9)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Bushozan (M16)
Ryuden (M15) beat Nishikifuji (M8)
Gonoyama (M13) beat Takayasu (M7)
Kotoeko (M11) beat Hokuseiho (M6)
Tsurugisho (M11) beat Onosho (M5)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Midorifuji (M3(
Meisei (M3) beat Shodai (M2)
Ura (M4) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Shonannoumi (M14) beat Nishikigi (M1)
Asanoyama (M4) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Endo (M16)
Hakuoho (M17) beat Abi (K)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Daieisho (S)
Hokutofuji (M9) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Leader: Nishikigi, Hokutofuji (10-2)
Of note: Huge upset in Nishikigi losing to Shonannoumi in their first meeting, with the top tier rookie also clinching a promotion thanks to the win. Hokutofuji pulled even thanks to a big upset of Hosboryu. And Hakuoho is in it after beating Abi in a match with 3 false starts, but Hakuoho went down hard on his taped left shoulder at the end so there are concerns about the super rookie.
Ozeki Watch: All 3 Sekiwake lost so on paper there is no margin of error at best. Hoshoryu and Daieisho must win their last 3 but Wakamotoharu mathematically is done, although Nikkan Sports cautioned that he still has an outside chance per comments from Nihon Dumo Kyokai Chairman Hakkaku. Plus at this point 11 wins can still mean a championship. Wakamotoharu’s loss came to new Ozeki Kirishima, who had managed to get to what essentially is 6-6 after missing the first 3 days. Elsewhere, Kotokowaka maintained his Sanyaku status with another winning record clinched. And that’s from 0-4 to promotion for Ryuden, who now has 8 straight wins.
Key matches tomorrow: Hokutofuji-Endo, Nishikigi-Hakuoho. The all-important Sekiwake Showdowns also begin tomorrow with Daieisho-Wakamotoharu while Hoshoryu faces Kirishima. Potential promotion to Ozeki may come down to these last 3 days.

Juryo:
Takakento (J8) beat Yuma (J14)
Chiyosakae (J10) beat Hakuyozan (J7)
Churanoumi (J7) beat Chiyonoumi (J14)
Azumaryu (J6) beat Taushimanada (J11)
Tomokaze (J9) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Daiamami (J9)
Tohakuryu (J4) beat Kiho (J13) by default/withdrawal
Shimanoumi (J10) beat Ichiyamamoto (J3)
Akua (J8) beat Shimazuumi (J3)
Roga (J2) beat Hidenoumi (J12)
Shiden (J13) beat Mitoryu (J2)
Chiyomaru (J11) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Atamifuji (J1) beat Shishi (J12)
Leader: Tomokaze (10-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Kiho (J13). Unknown. Status uncertain. Tough break because he was 7-4 coming into today and on the verge of promotion in his Juryo debut. If he’s done that’s potential demotion with the equivalent of a 7-8 record. Best-case is he stays at J13 or maybe J14 depending on how others fare. Worst-case is he’ll go back down to Makushita 1 but I don’t see that happening.
Of note: Tomokaze can all but clinch the championship tomorrow if he beats Atamifuji. If that happens, Tomokaze is assured of at no worse than a playoff rematch for the championship as he would be 2 wins ahead with 2 days left. And the 3:10 To Yuma is no longer delayed as Yuma now will be demoted back to Makushita as his debut will end with at least 8 losses. Chiyonoumi will also be demoted to Makushita and Tsushimanada is in danger as well with only 2 wins at J11. Ishizaki, the popular “muscle boy” in Makishita, comes up to Juryo tomorrow for his likely final match. He already has clinched a promotion from Ms5 at 4-2, a win probably won’t be enough to get him to Juryo in September.

Tomorrow will also be the Makushita Championship match between Tokihayate & Tochiseiryu, both 6-0. No matter the outcome, Tokihayate will return to Juryo in September.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 of the July 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top tier):
Ryuden (M15) beat Daishoho (M14)
Bushozan (M16) beat Chiyoshoma (M12)
Aoiyama (M17) beat Tsurugisho (M11)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Kinbozan (M10)
Kotoeko (M11) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Hakuoho (M17) beat Takayasu (M7)
Hokuseiho (M6) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Onosho (M5) beat Gonoyama (M13)
Takanosho (M9) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Ura (M4) beat Nishikifuji (M8)
Oho (M8) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Shodai (M2) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Meisei (M3)
Nishikigi (M1) beat Endo (M3)
Takarafuji (M15) beat Abi (K)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Shonannoumi (M14)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Hokutofuji (M9)
Kirishima (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Leader: Nishikigi (10-1)
RE–ENTRY: Asanoyama (M4). Will return tomorrow after missing 4 days (was expected to be out 4 weeks). He will be the equivalent of 4-7, meaning he can still clinch a promotion by winning his last 4 matches, but one loss means demotion.

Of note: It’s down to one at the top as Nishikigi is first to 10 wins this tournament as he all but knocks Endo out of title contention in a group 2 back at 8-3, which includes Hakuoho after the super-rookie clinched promotion in his top tier debut. Hokutofuji was knocked out of the lead by Wakamotoharu and sits tied for second with Hoshoryu at 9-2. And while it’s probably too little too late for title contention after an 0-4 start, that’s 7 straight wins for Ryuden and he is on the verge of promotion. Meanwhile, Midorifuji will again be demoted after today and despite a win today, Bushozan is all but headed back to Juryo. Even winning out only gets him to 7-8, at best that would keep him at his current rank. Kirishima also picked up his 5th win, meaning he now needs to finish 3-1 to have a winning record despite missing the first 3 days and being in what was a 2-6 hole at halfway.

Ozeki Watch: 2 of 3 win today as Hoshoryu gets to 9 wins and Wakamotoharu protects his rank with 8, but Daieisho lost to Kirishima. That means Hoshoryu now is 3 wins away from the magic number, Daieisho remains at 3 and Wakamotoharu must win his last 4. Wakamotoharu gets his chance at Kirishima tomorrow, Hoshoryu has a critical match against Hokutofuji where the loser could all but be out of the championship race, and Daieisho has Tamawashi.
Also of note, Hakuoho gets a Sanyaku sampler tomorrow as he will face Abi. Asanoyama will return from injury after 4 days and will face Tobizaru.

Juryo:
Yuma (J14) beat Hidenoumi (J12)
Takahashi (Ms4) beat Tsushimanada (J11)
Shiden (J13) beat Chiyosakae (J10)
Akua (J8) beat Kiho (J13)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Tamashoho (J5) beat Daiamami (J9)
Shishi (J12) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Tomokaze (J9) beat Oshoma (J4)
Shimazuumi (J3) beat Shimanoumi (J10)
Ichiyamamoto (J3) beat Chiyonoumi (J14)
Mitoryu (J2) beat Takakento (J8)
Roga (J2) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Atamifuji (J1) beat Hakuyozan (J7)
Kagayaki (J1) beat Azumaryu (J6)
Leader: Tomokaze (9-2)
Of note: With Daiamami now fading after being dominant early, Tomokaze has pulled one clear of a group of 4 including Kagayaki & Atamifuji, who clinched promotions back to the top tier today. At the bottom, Chiyonoumi’s return to Juryo after 2+ years will be short as he will be demoted to Makushita after taking an 8th loss at J14. Teushimanada and Shimanoumi are in danger of demotion if they keep losing while Yuma holds on again with a win today, but any more losses send him back to Makushita. Tomorrow Tomokaze faces Tamashoho in a match that could result in another logjam at the top.

Lower tier notes: The Makushita Chanpionship is set for Day 13, it will be Tokihayate vs. Tochiseiryu. Tokihayate is returning to Juryo in September as he is at Ms1 while Tochiseiryu would move up to the middle of Makushita with a title. The Sandanme has 3 at 6-0 so there is a chance a playoff will be needed. The Jonidan also has 3 at 6-0 so same there. In the Jonokuchi, Anosho won the match of the last 2 5-0s today so he is alone at 6-0 and only needs to win his last match for the championship, but a loss could force a playoff

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the July 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top tier):
Shonannoumi (M14) beat Bushozan (M16)
Gonoyama (M13) beat Takarafuji (M15)
Aoiyama (M17) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Endo (M16) beat Chiyoshoma (M12)
Hakuoho (M17) beat Kotoeko (M11)
Ryuden (M15) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Takanosho (M9) beat Daishoho (M14)
Tsurugisho (M11) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Kinbozan (M10) beat Takayasu (M7)
Hokutofuji (M9) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Nishikifuji (M8) beat Oho (M6)
Shodai (M2) beat Hokuseiho (M6)
Nishikigi (M1) beat Meisei (M3)
Midorifuji (M3) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Mitakeumi (M2) beat Abi (K)
Onosho (M5) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Ura (M4)
Leader: Nishikigi, Hokutofuji (9-1)
Of note: It’s looking likely we’ll have a new first-time champion as among the 5 with 8-9 wins only Daieisho has a top tier title. Nishikigi is having a career-best run while Hokutofuji has been here before although he faded down the stretch. Endo has nicely bounced back from a May injury. Konotowaka beating Hoshoryu was a huge upset as Hoshoryu had won 10 straight in their series (Kotonowaka’s only win before was in their first ever meeting). In streaking, Ryuden has now won 6 straight since an 0-4 start while Takayasu has lost 5 straight since a 5-0 start. Also a side note on Mitakeumi-his father died shortly before this tournament began so that may clearly be affecting his performance. He did win today although he will be demoted. Kirishima picked up win 4 in a tough match against Ura, pilling roughly even since a late start due to injury but still needing to go 4-1 or better for a winning record.
Ozeki Watch: Only Daieisho won today, so the magic number for Daieisho is now 4. Hoshoryu also remains at 4 while Wakamotoharu is still at 5 but now must win out to have any chance at promotion this time as that would get him to exactly 33.
Lots of big matches tomorrow that will shake up the leaderboards: Nishikigi-Endo, Hokutofuji-Wakamotoharu, and Daieisho-Kirishima. Hoshoryu gets Tamawashi.
As for the rookies, Hakuoho & Shonannoumi go for promotions tomorrow as both improved to 7-3. Hakuoho gets Takayasu, maybe catching the slumping former Ozeki at a good time. Shonannoumi gets a taste of Sanyaku as he will face Kotonowaka.

Juryo:
Shishi (J12) beat Kotokuzan (Ms4)
Yuma (J14) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Hidenoumi (J12) beat Chiyosakae (J10)
Kiho (J13) beat Daiamami (J9)
Tomokaze (J9) beat Shiden (J13)
Takakento (J8) beat Tsushimanada (J11)
Akua (J8) beat Chiyonoumi (J14)
Tohakuryu (J4) beat Shimanoumi (J10)
Ichiyamamoto (J3) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Hakuyozan (J7) beat Shimazuumi (J3)
Roga (J2) beat Oshoma (J4)
Azumaryu (J6) beat Mitoryu (J2)
Kagayaki (J1) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Atamifuji (J1) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Leader: Daiamami, Tomokzae (8-2)
Of note: Tomokaze clinched promotion today with a win, as he tries to get back to the top tier for the first time since 2019, when he reached M3 before he was demoted all the way to Jonidan after being out for more than a year. He has had only 2 losing tournaments since and now has 8 wins in 3 straight tournaments. He finished 8-7 the last 2 times. 4 are at 7-3 including Kagayaki & Atamifuji, who both are now a win away from returning to the top tier. Juryo rookie Kiho (Kawazoe) is also on the verge of staying in Juryo as he is also 7-3. But the 3:10 to Yuma may be departing tomorrow as rookie Yuma is at 3-7, staving off demotion back to Makushita with a win today but he must go 5-0 to stay Juryo. Tsushimanada also will be demoted with 8 losses now. Ichiyamamoto won again to go to the equivalent of 2-8 so he now almost certainly is staying in Juryo despite demotion from J3 after missing the first week due to injury.

Lower tier notes: Makushita is down to the Final 4 at 5-0, so tomorrow’s matches should set up the Championship match on Day 13. Tokihayate is among them at Ms1 so he’ll look to head to Juryo as champion and maybe a bigger move up the rankings. The Sandanme has 5 at 5-0 and may need a playoff depending on how things play out. The Jonidan has 6 at 5-0 and also may require a playoff. The 2 remaining 5-0 in Jonokuchi will face off tomorrow meaning the winner only needs to win his final match to be champion while the loser still has a chance for a playoff rematch. Only 4 others still have a chance for a playoff at 4-1. (A look at the standings also shows that, even though he retired, Ishiura was still ranked at Jonokuchi 15 this time. He would have dropped off the rankings after this due to being absent)

Side note: It will he interesting to see if there is a day-end closing ceremony with the bow-twirling performance the rest of the way because Satonofuji, the wrestler who performs it every day, has withdrawn from the tournament starting tomorrow (Day 11). Performance-wise, he was just demoted and being near the bottom of the Jonidan could see the 46-year-old demoted to Jonokuchi as he will finish the equivalent of 1-6. For the curious, he has never made it above the Sandanme in his 27-year career.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the July 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Bushozan (M16) beat Takarafuji (M15)
Daishoho (M14) beat Hakuoho (M17)
Endo (M16) beat Gonoyama (M13)
Aoiyama (M17) beat Chiyoshoma (M12)
Ryuden (M15) beat Tsurugisho (M11)
Shonannoumi (M14) beat Kotoeko (M11)
Myogiryu (M10) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Kinbozan (M10) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Takayasu (M7)
Hokutofuji (M9) beat Oho (M6)
Takanosho (M9) beat Hokuseiho (M6)
Onosho (M5) beat Nishikifuji (M8)
Shodai (M2) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Nishikigi (M1) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Abi (K)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Ura (M4)
Kirishima (O) beat Meisei (M3)
Leader: Hoshoryu, Nishikigi, Hokutofuji (8-1)
Of note: The first promotions and winning records of the tournament were clinched today by the leaders-that’s 10 straight winning tournaments for Hoshoryu and likely a Sanyaku debut for Nishikigi next time out. And also today was the first demotion as Mitakeumi is the first to 8 losses, meaning a losing record. 2 of the 3 rookies lost today as Shonannoumi was the only winner while Hakuoho & Gonoyama lost. Shonannoumi & Hakuoho are at 6-3 while Gonoyama is 5-4 and has now lost 4 straight. So has Takayasu, who started 5-0 but is now 5-4. Several others are on the verge of demotion at 2-7 while Endo can earn promotion tomorrow sitting at 7-2.
Ozeki Watch: Hoshoryu & Daieisho now are 4 wins away from the magic number with Walamotoharu now at 5 after all won again. Hoshoryu has protected his rank with 8 wins and the others now are just one win away. A mixed bag on tap tomorrow-Hoshoryu has Kotonowaka, Daieisho gets Hiradoumi while Wakamotoharu has Onosho. That means if we have the traditional Sekiwake Showdowns they’ll be in the final days and could ultimately decides who may-and may not-be promoted.
Kirishima managed a win today against Meisei, his 3rd so far, and gets Ura tomorrow. He’ll go to the equivalent of 4-6 with a win, but a loss leaves the new Ozeki on the verge of kadoban status.

Juryo:
Mukainakano (Ms3) beat Hidenoumi (J12)
Shishi (J12) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Shimanoumi (J10) beat Tsushimanada (J11)
Kiho (J13) beat Chiyosakae (J10)
Tomokaze (J9) beat Chiyonoumi (J14)
Akua (J8) beat Yuma (J14)
Shiden (J13) beat Takakento (J8)
Daiamami (J9) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Oshoma (J4) beat Hakuyozan (J7)
Azumaryu (J6) beat Shimazuumi (J3)
Mitoryu (J2) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Ichiyamamoto (J3) beat Roga (J2)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Atamifuji (J1)
Tamashoho (J5) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Leader: Daiamami (8-1)
Of note: Daiamami is the first in Juryo to claim promotion as he tries to climb back up to the top tier. Only 2 more can get there tomorrow. On the other end, Ichiyamamoto winning today should keep him in Juryo even if he loses the rest of the way following being absent 2 days after an 0-8 start and pending demotion. 0-15 would’ve been a toss-up based on what happened after May, but I think this win keeps him in Juryo. Another win would be insurance though.

Lower tier notes:
The Makushita is down to 3 unbeatens at 5-0 with 2 more at 4-0 competing tomorrow. So that will leave between 3 & 5 still in championship contention. The Sandanme is down to 5 at 5-0, leaving the potential of a final day playoff open. The Jonidan is at 6 at 5-0 while Jonokuchi is down to just 2 with neither competing again until Day 11 at the earliest.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 8-the Halfway Point-of the July 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Ryuden (M15) beat Ichiyamamoto (J3)
Daishoho (M14) beat Aoiyama (M17)
Hakuoho (M17) beat Shonannoumi (M14)
Endo (M16) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Takarafuji (M15) beat Kotoeko (M11)
Tsurugisho (M11) beat Bushozan (M16)
Chiyoshoma (M12) beat Kinbozan (M10)
Myogiryu (M10) beat Gonoyama (M13)
Hokutofuji (M9) beat Takayasu (M7)
Takanosho (M9) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Hokuseiho (M6) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Nishikifuji (M8)
Oho (M6) beat Onosho (M5)
Meisei (M3) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
NIshikigi (M1) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Abi (K) beat Shodai (M2)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Ura (M4)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Asanoyama (M4) by default/withdrawal
Midorifuji (M3) beat Kirishima (O)
Leader: Hoshoryu, Nishikigi, Hokutofuji (7-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Asanoyama (M4). Left bicep. Out 4 weeks. Tournament done and will be demoted for the first time since returning from a 1-year suspension that saw him demoted from Ozeki all the way down to the Sandanme. He was 4-3 coming in to today and will finish the equivalent of 4-11, which probably will drop him down to Maegashira 11 or 12.
Of note: 3 are now on the verge of winning records and potential promotions including Hoshoryu going for his first, Hokutofuji silently contending again and Nishikigi now one win away from Sanyaku from the first time in his 17+ year career. Hoshoryu would at least protect his Sekiwake ranking with one more win. The rookie trio finished their head-to-head matches today with Hakuoho beating Shonannoumi to finish with wins against both including Gonoyama, who has now lost 3 straight. Hakuoho is among 6 one off the lead. On the flip side, Bushozan, Mitakeumi & Sadanoumi now are one loss from demotion with Bushozan all but heading back to Juryo if demoted. After his loss today, Kirishima’s long run of winning tournaments is all but over as the new Ozeki fell to the equivalent of 2-6 and now must finish 6-1 to avoid kadoban status. His fighting spirit and desire to compete is unquestionable and admirable, but maybe he should have swallowed his pride and sat out the whole tournament and have to be in kadoban anyway.
Ozeki Watch: Another clean sweep for all 3 Sekiwake although Daieisho got a freebie today due to Asanoyama withdrawing. That means Hoshoryu is 7-1 with Daieisho & Wakamotoharu at 6-2. The magic number for Ozeki promotion consideration is now 5 for Daieisho & Hoshoryu and 6 for Wakamotoharu. If they keep their first half paces up, Hoshoryu & Daieisho will get there while Wakamotoharu may just make it. Daieisho is up first tomorrow and gets Abi, Hoshoryu has the easiest draw on paper in Hiradoumi (3-5) while Wakamotoharu has Ura. Kirishima tries for win 3 against Meisei.

Juryo:
Chiyonoumi (J14) beat Shishi (J12)
Kiho (J13) beat Tsushimanada (J11)
Chiyosakae (J10) beat Yuma (J14)
Daiamami (J9) beat Shiden (J13)
Takakento (J8) beat Hidenoumi (J12)
Akua (J8) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Hakuyozan (J7) bet Shimanoumi (J10)
Tomokaze (J9) beat Azumaryu (J6)
Tamashoho (J5) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Roga (J2) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Oshoma (J4) beat Mitoryu (J2)
Kagayaki (J1) beat Shimazuumi (J3)
Atamifuji (J1) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Leader: Daiamami (7-1)
Of note: Although he returned from injury today, Ichiyamamoto lost in the top tier and became the first wrestler in the top 2 tiers to clinch demotion as he is now the equivalent of 0-8. He sat out 3 days due to a knee injury. Daiamami can be the first Juryo man to clinch promotion tomorrow. No Juryo man in the top tier starting tomorrow but Mukainakano will be the Makushita man up for the day as that will resume, he is at Ms3 and is currently 2-2.

Lower tier notes: With the first Promotion Round complete, 7 in Makushita are 4-0 and promoted including Tokihayate at Ms1, who will return to Juryo for a second chance in September. In the Sandanme, 11 are 4-0 so far. In the Jonidan, 13 are tied at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has just 2 tied at 4-0 (one competes tomorrow while one does not).

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

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Hakuoho (M17) beat Endo (M16)
Takarafuji (M15) beat Shimazuumi (J3)
Ryuden (M15) beat Aoiyama (M17)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Bushozan (M16)
Shonannoumi (M14) beat Gonoyama (M13)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Daishoho (M14)
Chiyoshoma (M12) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Hokutofuji (M9) beat Tsurugisho (M11)
Takanosho (M9) beat Kinbozan (M10)
Nishikifuji (M8) beat Takayasu (M7)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Hokuseiho (M6)
Onosho (M5) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Oho (M6)
Meisei (M3) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Shodai (M2)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Nishikigi (M1)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Abi (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Ura (M4)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Shodai (M2)
Mitakeumi (M2) beat Kirishima (O)
Leader: 4 at 6-1
Of note: Nishikigi’s 15-match win streak came to a crashing halt in an almost-no contest against Kotonowaka today, as he now falls into a 4-way tie for the lead. Mitakeumi also became the last rikishi to get a win today in dispatching Kirishima, dropping the not-100% new Ozeki to the equivalent of 2-5. He’ll now need to finish 6-2 or better to avoid kadoban status in September. But tomorrow brings a maybe more favorable match against Midorifuji, who is badly struggling again at 1-6. At the bottom of the tier, all 3 rookies are now at 5-2 heading into halfway but Gonoyama has now lost 2 straight to Hakuoho & Shonannoumi. A day after taking all the tape off his left upper body, Hakuoho had it back on today but still easily dispatched Endo. He’ll complete the rookie series tomorrow against Shonannoumi.
Ozeki Watch: All 3 Sekiwake won today with Hoshoryu now co-leader at 6-1 then Daieisho & Wakamotoharu at 5-2. The magic number is 6 for Daieisho & Hoshoryu & 7 for Wakamotoharu. Hoshoryu has Ura tomorrow, Daieisho gets Asanoyama and Wakamotoharu faces Kotonowaka.

Juryo:
Kiho (J13) beat Onosato (Ms3)
Tsushimanada (J11) beat Yuma (J14)
Chiyomaru (J11) beat Shiden (J13)
Chiyonoumi (J14) beat Shimanoumi (J10)
Hidenoumi (J12) beat Tomokaze (J9)
Takakento (J8) beat Shishi (J12)
Chiyosakae (J10) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Hakuyozan (J7) beat Akua (J8)
Daiamami (J9) beat Azumaryu (J6)
Mitoryu (J2) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Roga (J2) beat Tamashoho (J5)
Atamifuji (J1) beat Oshoma (J4)
Tohakuryu (J4) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Leader: Daiamami, Chiyomaru (6-1)
RETURN: Ichiyamamoto (J3). Will return tomorrow after withdrawing on Day 5. He will be the equivalent of 0-7 and needs to win out to avoid demotion. He probably needs a win to stay in Juryo in September.

Lower tier notes: It’s Promotion Day 1 in the 3rd tier on down, where the leaders reach 4 wins and clinch their winning records. In Makushita, 3 have gone to 4-0 in the first half of their 4th round, and since he is among those 3 it means Tokihayate will be sai-Juryo in September as he will be promoted back up from Makushita 1. He went 6-9 in his Juryo debut in May and gets a second chance after just one tournament down. The other two co-leaders for now are Kayo & Tochiseiryu. 8 others are at 3-0 and go for their promotions tomorrow. In the Sandanme, 6 are at 4-0 and promoted including May Jonidan Champion Satorufuji, who now has 15 straight wins overall, a streak dating back to his Debut in March. 10 more are at 3-0 ahead of their 4th matches tomorrow. In the Jonidan, 7 are 4-0 and promoted with another 12 going for that mark tomorrow. In the Jonokuchi, nobody has clinched promotion so far with 3 at 3-0.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier match coverage FOR FREE tomorrow beginning at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET. NHK World Japan is available on participating cable/satellite providers and can also be watched online and on mobile/smart TV apps FOR FREE with no login/signup required and with no viewing limits/restrictions.

UPDATE: BREAKING early Day 8 news-Asanoyama has WITHDRAWN. Left upper arm (possible bicep) injury. Out at least 4 weeks. He was 4-3 after Day 7 but will not finish the equivalent of 4-11. That will keep him in the top tier but drop him back down to around Maegashira 11 or 12 for September.