Tag: sumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Mitoryu (M16) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Kagayaki (M17) beat Hokuseiho (M17)
Takarafuji (M10) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Ryuden (M10)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Takanosho (M8) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Aoiyama (M12) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Daishoho (M11) beat Kinbozan (M5)
NIshikigi (M4) beat Onosho (M9)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Tamawashi (M8)
Takayasu (M2) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Oho (M16) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Abi (M1) beat Ura (M4)
Mitakeumi (M6) beat Shodai (K)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Meisei (M6)
Daieisho (S) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Kiribayama (S)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Takakeisho (O)
CHAMPION: Terunofuji (14-1). 8th Emperor’s Cup and 11th overall championship. Clinched title yesterday.

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (winning record with most wins vs. Yokozuna/Ozeki): Meisei (only one to beat Terunofuji, however he barely got it as after beating Terunofuji to go to 8-1 he then lost his last 6)
Fighting Spirit (lower ranked wrestler with best record who best displayed fighting spirit): None
Technique (winning record with most different winning techniques used): Kiribayama (second straight), Wakamotoharu

Juryo:
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Yuma (Ms5)
Shishi (Ms2) beat Tokihayate (J14)
Daiamami (J9) beat Ryuo (Ms3)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Chiyosakae (J12)
Tomokaze (J12) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Shimazuumi (J6)
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Akua (J5)
Roga (J4) beat Shimanoumi (J13)
Ochiai (J8) beat Oshoma (J4). Atamifuji is OUT of contention…
Bushozan (J3) beat Takakento (J7)
Chiyomaru (J10) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Shonannoumi (J11) beat Tamashoho (J10)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Kitanowaka (J10). PLAYOFF!
Playoff: Gonoyama beat Ochiai. GONOYAMA JURYO YUSHO! The second career championship for Gonoyama, he previously won Makushita as Nishikawa, his real last name.
CHAMPION: Gonoyama (14-1)
Now the question is will 14-1 also get Ochiai to the top tier from J8? Ichiyamamoto (4-11 at M15) should be going down as should be Kagayaki (despite rallying to finish 7-8) and Mitoryu )5-10 at J-16), Gonoyama is going up from J1 as is Shonannoumi (11-4 at J1). Toss-up but leaning/hoping yes. This would mean the biggest loser in the numbers game is Atamifuji, who went 13-2 at J8. He might have to try again from J1 in July to return to the top tier.

Other Champions:
Makushita: Kiryuko (Ms26). 1st career championship
Sandanme: Sazanami (Sd42). 1st career championship
Jonidan: Satorufuji (Jd60). 1st career championship (that’s 2 for Isegahama Beya this tournament). Won playoff
Jonokuchi: Haruyama (Kj22). 1str career championship. Debut tournament

Next up is the July Tournament from 7/9-7/23 at Aichi Prefectural Gym in Nagoya. Tickets are now on sale. Final recap and standings post coming tomorrow, then until July…sayonara!

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kagayaki (M17) beat Oshoma (J4)
Oho (M16) beat Hokuseiho (M11)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Ryuden (M10)
Onosho (M9) beat Daishoho (M11)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Kotoeko (M12)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Takanosho (M8) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Mitakeumi (M6)
Takayasu (M2) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Abi (M1)
Midorifuji (M1) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Ura (M4)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Shodai (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Meisei (M6)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Takakeisho (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Kiribayama (S). TERUNOFUJI YUSHO! The Yokozuna wins the Emperor’s Cup for the 8th time.
Leader: Terunofuji (13-1). Nobody can catch him.
Now the final day is all about promotions, demotions and potential Special Prizes, to be followed by the award ceremony and champion’s interview. And in the following days hopefully news that Kiribayama will be promoted to Ozeki as he’s still at 34 wins (could be 35 with a win tomorrow) and a championship over the last 3 tournaments, so he seems to meet the criteria for promotion.

Juryo:
Kitanowaka (J10) beat Daiamami (J9)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Shimanoumi (J13)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Churanoumi (J7(
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Shimazuumi (J6) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Akua (J5) beat Tokihayate (J14)
Ochiai (J8) beat Roga (J4)
Bushozan (J3) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Tomokaze (J12) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Takakento (J7) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Tamashoho (J11)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Chiyosakae (J12)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (13-1)
Of note: This is gonna be a fun final day. First things first-Atamifuji still has a chance. If he beats Chiyosakae, he remains in it and can force a playoff. If Atamifuji loses, he is out. Then it’s Ochiai up, who faces Oshoma. If Ochiai wins, Atamifuji is out and Ochiai is the champion if Gonoyama loses to Kitanowaka. Similarly if Gonoyama wins and Ochiai loses, Atamifuji is out and Gonoyama is the champion. If both Ochiai and Gonoyama win or both lose, we have a playoff rematch. If both lose and Atamifuji wins, 3-WAY PLAYOFF! (In that case they have a draw to determine who fights first and who then fights the winner. I believe it’s first to win 2 matches is the champion). Then we can talk about if Ochiai will make the top tier in July-the odds are slightly better today but he may still need that 14th win.

Also tomorrow will be the playoff for the Jonidan championship.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of FREE LIVE top tier coverage, including the final matches, award ceremony and champion’s interview with Terunofuji, tomorrow beginning at 12:30 AM PT/3:30 AM ET. And for those planning summer trips to Japan, tickets for the July tournament in Nagoya are now on sale!

UPDATE: For Juryo tomorrow, Hokuseiho has WITHDRAWN. Unknown. Will have no effect on the standings or championship as he was already demoted.

Here are the Special Prize winners so far:
Outstanding Performance (most wins vs. Yokozuna & Ozeki): Meisei (only one to beat Terunofuji so far)
Fighting Spirit: TBA
Technique (most different winning techniques used): Kiribayama (second straight), Wakamotoharu

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Oho (M16) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Ryuden (M10) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Onosho (M9) beat Kagayaki (M17)
Takanosho (M8) beat Myogiryu (M16)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Ura (M4) beat Daishoho (M11)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Kotoeko (M12)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Takayasu (M2)
Midorifuji (M1) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Abi (M1) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Shodai (K)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Mitakeumi (M6) beat Daieisho (S)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Kiribayama (S) beat Hokuseiho (M11)
Takakeisho (O) beat Meisei (M6)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Asanoyama (M14)
Leader: Terunofuji (12-1)
Of note: It all comes down to Terunofuji-Kiribayama tomorrow. If Terunofuji beats Kiribayama, he is the champion. If Kiribayama wins, it goes down to the Final Day and could set up a playoff rematch. Asanoyama can stay in it as well with a Kiribayama win assuming he also beats Shodai. But including today, Asanoyama is now 0-6 all time against Terunofuji so history does not favor him. For tomorrow, history favors Terunofuji as he is 3-0 against Kiribayama.
Kiribayama was almost gifted a win against Hokuseiho when during a close stalemate Hokuseiho lost focus and reached to adjust the sagari on his mawashi. When his hand moved, Kiribayama took advantage of that loss of focus with a sotogake (outside leg trip) for victory.
Ozeki Watch: Meisei didn’t withdraw but Takakeisho’s win means 8 and a winning record, so he is out of kadoban status and will remain Ozeki in July. Expect a withdrawal at this point to begin rest and treatment for knee injuries. Too early to think about July but worst case if Takakeisho has to sit out is back to kadoban in September. Kiribayama getting win 11 today should guarantee Ozeki promotion at this point if he doesn’t win the championship as that’s now 34 wins in the last 3 tournaments. If Takakeisho does withdraw, Wakamotoharu gets the free win tomorrow.
Also, according to the Absent Rikishi Info, Kotoshoho will return tomorrow after withdrawing on Day 10. He will face Takarafuji and will look to pick up another win or two to soften the blow of another demotion as he is currently the equivalent of 1-12. He’ll likely stay in the top tier but his drop from M5 right now would be probably to M14 or M15. A huge fall since nearly winning the January championship. Finally, a big shoutout to Nishikigi, a week ago he was 1-6 and seemingly headed for demotion. But he has now won 6 straight and can get promotion with one more win, with the first try tomorrow against Abi.
We’re also going to see Kagayaki & Mitoryu demoted to Juryo at this point. That’s probably going to be it for demotions with Gonoyama promoted from Juryo for sure (Wakatakakage will miss July with injuries but his next demotion is from Komusubi so he’ll stay top tier).
We’ll find out more late tomorrow but if he can get one more win, I can see Tsurugisho being on position for a Special Prize, namely the Fighting Spirit Prize as he could have 10 or 11 wins at Ms15. I wouldn’t rule out Ura for the Technique Prize, but he first needs one more win as a winning record is required for a Special Prize.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage, including Terunofuji-Kiribayama, tomorrow beginning at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET. You can watch FOR FREE online or on their smart TV/mobile app.

Juryo:
Kawazoe (Ms1) beat Tomokaze (J12)
Chiyomaru (J10) beat Tokihayate (J14)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Daiamami (J9)
Chiyosakae (J12) beat Takakento (J7)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Churanoumi (J7) beat Akua (J5)
Roga (J4) beat Fujiseiun (J13)
Shimanoumi (J13) beat Oshoma (J4)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Bushozan (J3)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Ochiai (J8) beat Shonannoumi (J1)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Shimazuumi (J6)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (12-1)
Of note: Still seems like we’re headed for a playoff rematch as Gonoyama and Ochiai remain tied and only Atamifuji has a chance to join or pass them. Atamifuji is up first and gets Shimanoumi, who today clinched his first promotion in over a year. Ochiai draws Roga and Gonoyama has Tamashoho, both now promoted as well. The other real question pending his last 2 matches is will Ochiai reach the top tier in July? He could still finish 14-1 at J8, and if Asanoyama could go 14-1 at a lower rank and get to J1 (albeit with a championship) it’s possible. The argument against it probably will be numbers-the top tier is capped at 42 wrestlers total, 2 will be demoted but 2 Juryos will be promoted so far (Gonoyama & Shonannoumi). Ultimately I think Ochiai’s fate will be in the hands of Ichiyamamoto, who is 4-9 at M15. Ochiai really needs Ichiyamamto to lose one or ideally both his remaining matches and Ochiai win his last two, excluding a potential playoff. The good for tomorrow is Ichiyamamoto is 0-2 career against his foe, Takanosho.
As far as leaders go, Ochiai-Roga & Gonoyama-Tamashoho are first time meetings. Atamifuji-Shimanoumi is 1-1 but Shimanoumi’s win was a freebie due to an Atamifuji withdrawal.

Lower tiers:
Kiryuko (Ms26) beat Daishomaru (Ms42). KIRYUKO MAKUSHITA YUSHO! That’s the first career championship for Kiryuko in his 12th career tournament and he finishes a perfect 7-0. Based on March, when the champion was at about the same rank, his rank means he’ll probably be in Makushita again in July but at a personal best ranking. I’ll slot him in at Ms3, right on the verge of Juryo. (Normally the Makushita champion moves up 30 spots in the rankings)
Sazanami (Sd42) beat Yutakasho (Sd30). SAZANAMI SANDANME YUSHO! That’s the first career championship for Sazanami in his 49th career tournament and he’ll be a Makushita man again in July, with a chance to improve on his career best rank of Ms48.
Satorufuji (Jd60) beat Mogamizakura (Jd40)
Oshoryu (Jd7) beat Hidano (Jd43). PLAYOFF! That means the last 2 7-0 Jonidan wrestlers will have a playoff on Day 14 or Day 15 for the championship.
Haruyama (Jk22) beat Reonmaru (Jk8). HARUYAMA JONOKUCHI YUSHO! He takes the title in his Debut tournament and will be promoted to Jonidan.

UPDATE: One Juryo update for the final day: Hakuyozan (J6) has WITHDRAWN. No freebies. He took his 8th loss today meaning demotion. Looks like this means Yuma gets another Juryo appearance as the 3rd Makushita man up on the final day along with Shishi (5-1 at Ms2) and Ryuo, the March Makishita champion who is 1-6 and could be demoted back to his prior rank. A win pretty much guarantees Shishi is Juryo in July. Yuma will have a chance with a win and a 6-1 finish at Ms5, but a very slim chance.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Ichiyamamoto (M15) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Daishoho (M11)
Takarafuji (M10) beat Myogiryu (M16)
Oho (M16) beat Onosho (M9)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Ryuden (M10)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Mitakeumi (M6) beat Kagayaki (M17)
Ura (M4) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Nishikifuji (M3) beat Takanosho (M8)
Abi (M1) beat Meisei (M6)
Midorifuji (M1) beat Takayasu (M2)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Shodai (K) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Daieisho (S) beat Asanoyama (M14)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Hokuseiho (M11)
Korobayama (S) beat Takakeisho (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Leader: Terunofuji (11-1)
Of note: ULTRA RARE PULL! As he has been known to do on occasion, Ura dazzled the crowd with an incredibly rare winning technique today-zubineri (head pivot throw). It must be seen to be believed, but it hasn’t been used to win in a match in over 25 years! Par for the course between the fan favorite and The Flying Monkey. Elsewhere, Asanoyama took his second loss as he allowed Daieisho to get his signature pusher/thruster offense going and then it was over quickly. That gave Terunofuji the sole lead but he seemed to land rough on his knees as both he and Wakamotoharu landed awkwardly at the end of their match. Monitor this going forward given his history of knee issues.
Ozeki Watch: Promotion? It seems to now be all but official for Kiribayama as he beat Takakeisho for what is now 33 wins over the last 3 tournaments at Sanyaku. That is a minimum criteria for Ozeki promotion consideration (the other is win 2 consecutive tournaments at Komusubi and/or Sekiwake, which Kiribayama can still do this time). Any more wins should be insurance and he’s still in championship contention. Takakeisho again missed an 8th win chance as a result and remains kadoban, but he may have caught the break he needed…his Day 13 opponent is Meisei, who has now lost 3 straight since beating Terunofuji. And there is concern about Meisei possibly suffering a knee injury in his loss today, leading to thoughts Takakeisho could get a freebie tomorrow with a potential Meisei withdrawal. If that happens, Takakeisho is safe at Ozeki and could withdraw himself to get treatment/rest for his knees and likely means 2 Ozeki again in July (again dependent on Kiribayama promotion, which seems a formality now).
While their Ozeki hopes for July are now gone, all the other Sekiwake have protected their rank with 8 wins so far and any further wins can help their post-July promotion chances, especially if they can get to 11 wins. Hoshoryu may be dealing with a thigh injury so that 8th win today was a big one. Elsewhere, a sophomore slump continues for Kinbozan as he will be demoted after his 8th loss today, but he’ll hopefully bounce back on July. One potential Sanyaku change is on the verge of happening too as Kotonowaka will be demoted from Komusubi if he loses again after his 7th loss today.
Key match tomorrow: Terunofuji-Asanoyama. The yusho race could be all but over if Terunofuji wins, but it also depends on Kiribayama who faces Hokuseiho. And if it happens, Takakeisho-Meisei.

Juryo:
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Shiden (Ms1)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Tonokaze (J12)
Daiamami (J9) beat Tokihayate (J14)
Ochiai (J8) beat Tamashoho (J11)
Shimanoumi (J13) beat Takakento (J7)
Akua (J5) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Oshoma (J4) beat Chiyosakae (J12)
Kitanowaka (J10) beat Roga (J4)
Bushozan (J3) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Shimazuumi (J6) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Chiyomaru (J10) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Shonannoumi (J1)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (11-1)
Of note: Rematch anyone? If Gonoyama & Ochiai keep winning, they’re on track for a playoff rematch for the championship even after Gonoyama won their match yesterday. And if Ochiai does win out, he’ll be in top tier contention. The only thing in the way of the playoff, besides themselves, is Atamifuji at 10-2.
Key matches tomorrow: Ochiai-Shonannoumi, Gonoyama-Shimazuumi, Atamifuji-Hakuyozan. Shonannoumi is 9-3 and, like Gonoyama, is headed to the top tier in July. Shimazuumi is 7-5 and going for promotion. In the latter, history favors Gonoyama as he leads the series vs. Shimazuumi 3-0. Ochiai-Shonannoumi is a first-time meeting. Hakuyozan is 6-6 and Atamifuji won their only prior meeting in March.

UPDATE: As of the start of Day 13 matches Meisei remains in the tournament. No withdrawal yet.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Daishoho (M11) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Kagayaki (M17) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Ryuden (M10) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Onosho (M9) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Takanosho (M8) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Oho (M16) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Mitakeumi (M6)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Neisei (M6)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Ura (M4) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Takayasu (M3) beat Abi (M1)
Shodai (K) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Kiribayama (S) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Hokuseiho (M11)
Takakeisho (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Leader: Terunofuji, Asanoyama (10-1)
Of note: Takayasu was a surprise return today as a thigh injury suffered in morning practice before Day 1 began was expected to keep him out 3 weeks. He looked limited on his mobility but still quickly dispatched Abi. Any wins will reduce the drop he’ll take in July as he’s already got a demotion for missing 8+ days.
Ozeki Watch: It’s all but official for Kiribayama. Of course it’s up to the Japan Sumo Association to decide, but to meet the minimum 33 wins over 3 consecutive tournaments in Sanyaku eligibility criteria Kiribayama now needs just one more win the rest of the way. That or win the championship again. The other Sekiwake have pretty much been mathematically eliminated from consideration this time unless 11-4 winds up winning the championship (or 12-3 if Wakamotoharu wins out). Only Wakamotoharu seems to have any championship chance now.
Key matches tomorrow: Terunofuji-Wakamotoharu, Asanoyama-Daieisho, Kiribayama-Talakeisho. A lot on the line in that last one because Takakeisho needs one more win to get out of kadoban status and remain Ozeki. If he gets it before the final day, anticipate an immediate withdrawal to get his knees some rest and treatment.

Juryo:
Yuma (Ms5) beat Shimanoumi (J13)
Tonokaze (J12) beat Tokihayate (J14)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Fujiseiun (J13)
Kitanowaka (J10) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Chiyosakae (J12) beat Shimazuumi (J8)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Akua (J5) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Oshoma (J4)
Roga (J4) beat Bushozan (J3)
Tohakuryu (J2) beat Daiamami (J9)
Takakento (J7) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Churanoumi (J7
Gonoyama (J1) beat Ochiai (J8)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (10-1)
Of note: If Ochiai doesn’t reach the top tier in July, today may be why. For comparison, Asanoyama was at this spot in January, finished 14-1 and won the championship at J12 and was promoted to J1. Ochiai may be in a better place to make the leap at J8 but we’ll have to see what happens over the last 4 days.
Shiden, who has earned promotion back to Juryo in July with a 4-2 record at Makishita 1, gets the Makushita man spot tomorrow although if he loses, he could be in an odd spot as he should have one more Makushita match and could wind up 4-4.
Key matches tomorrow: Ochiai-Tamashoho, Gonoyama-Hakuyozan, Atamifuji-Shonannoumi. If both leaders lose, the Atamifuji-Shonannoumi winner will be in a 3-way tie for the lead.

Lower tier notes:
As is typically the case after Day 12, the Makushita Championship is now set for what should be Day 13: Daishomaru vs. Kiryuko. Daishomaru beat Okinohama and Kiryuko beat Shishi to set it up. Neither will be promoted to Juryo as Daishomart is at Ms42 and Kiryuko is at Ms26. But who will be promoted is Kawazoe, who got his 4th win today at Ms1 so he will be Shin-Juryo in July while despite a loss today Shiden will be Sai-Juryo, getting a second chance after being forced to moss his forst Juryo tournament.
In the Sandanme, the championship match will be Yutakasho vs. Sazanami as the last 2 at 6-0. In the Jonidan, 3 are still at 6-0 so a playoff may be needed. In the Jonokuchi, Reonmaru is the sole leader at 6-0 but 5-0 Haruyama has his 6th match tomorrow, so if Haruyama wins theu probably would face off on Day 14 as usually the lower tier wrestlers won’t conpete 3 days on a row.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kagayaki (M17) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Aoiyama (M12) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Oho (M16) beat Ryuden (M10)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Onosho (M9)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Tsurugisho (M10) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Daishoho (M11) beat Takanosho (M8)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Hokuseiho (M11) beat Meisei (M6)
Ura (M4) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Nishigiki (M4) beat Mitakeumi (M6)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Abi (M1) beat Shodai (K)
Kirobayama (S) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Kotoshoho (M5) by default/withdrawal
Hoshoryu (S) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Kinbozan (M5) beat Takakeisho (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Leader: Terunofuji, Asanoyama (9-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Kotoshoho (M5). Left knee. Return uncertain. Regardless this officially means another demotion for the January runner-up.
Also, Takayasu (M2), a last-minute Day 1 withdrawal due to a thigh injury, will return tomorrow. He is currently the equivalent of 0-10 and will be demoted, but any wins now mean gaining back rankings spots he would have otherwise lost. If he finishes with 5 straight wins I could see his drop only being to M7 instead of perhaps M11 or M12. He faces Abi tomorrow.
Of note: Almost 2 straight losses for Terunofuji as Kotonowaka had him on the edge of the dohyo early before the yokozuna managed a better position and came back for the victory. In an exciting earlier match, Hokuseiho managed a couple of miracle escapes in a similar position against Meisei, using his height brilliantly to rally and win. Definitely not a post-Kinboshi letdown for Meisei, the effort was certainly there and he just got unlucky. No such issues for Asanoyama as he won easily to stay a co-leader. Takakeisho took a tough loss today against Kinbozan and now needs 2 more wins to get out of kadoban status instead of being on the verge of safety. In his first try against an Ozeki, Kinbozan gets a huge bounceback win after losing to Terunofuji. Hopefully the rikishi from Kazakhstan can use this momentum to get back to a winning record.
Ozeki Watch: The presumptive magic number is now 2 for Kiribayama. He’s clinched his winning record and protected his Sekiwake rank with 8 wins so now the goal is finish better than 2-3 to hopefully earn promotion. Wakamotoharu probably lost any chances at Ozeki this time unless he wins the championship, which he still has a chance at. Daieisho got a freebie today to stay in range at 7-3, with Hoshoryu at the same record.
Key matches tomorrow: Asanoyama-Meisei, Terunofuji-Hoshoryu, Kiribayama-Hiradoumi, Hokuseiho-Wakamotoharu. Hokuseiho clinched promotion today and is also one off the lead

Juryo:
Tokihayate (J14) beat Hayatefuji (Ms3)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Kitanowaka (J10) beat Chiyosakae (J12)
Daiamami (J9) beat Shimanoumi (J13)
Tomokaze (J12) beat Chiyonokuni (J9) by default/withdrawal
Hakuyozan (J6) beat Oshoma (J4)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Roga (J4)
Ochiai (J8) beat Bushozan (J3)
Akua (J5) beat Enho (J3) by default/withdrawal
Churanoumi (J7) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Shimazuumi (J6) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Atamifuji (J6) beat Gonoyama (J1)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Takakento (J7)
Leader: Ochiai (10-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Enho (J3), Chiyonokuni (J9). Enho-herniated cervical disk. Out at least 3 months. Chiyonokuni-knees (both MCLs and osteoarthritis). Out indefinitely but, based on recent history and using Terunofuji as a comparison, possibly done for the year (Terunofuji missed 8 months with similar). Both details per Nikkan Sports. If Enho can return in September on this timeline, he’ll be a Makushita man.
Of note: Welcome to the show, Shonannoumi! With win #8 at J1 today, he has clinched promotion to the top tier and will make his debut there in July. In the meantime, what would have been an all-unbeaten showdown tomorrow or later was denied when Gonoyama was beaten by Atamifuji, leaving Ochiai as the lone unbeaten left. Also, Azumaryu will not bounce back to the top tier again this time as an 8th loss today means another demotion for the inconsistent Mongolian.
Key match tomorrow: Gonoyama-Ochiai. A day short of the unbeaten showdown after what happened today. This could all but clinch the championship for Ochiai-a win puts him 2 clear of the field with 4 days left although recent history in that situation has not been good to leaders. Atamifuji and Shonannoumi are still in it at 8-2. Also stopping in Juryo tomorrow is the 3:10 To Yuma as Yuma is the Makushita man up tomorrow. At Ms5 this time, he has already clinched promotion at 4-1 and has an outside chance to reach Juryo if he can finish 6-1. He gets Shimanoumi, who at 6-4 has a chance to end his long demotion streak.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Oho (M16) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Apiyama (M12) beat Kagayaki (M17)
Daishoho (M11) beat Ichiyamamoto (M16)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Ryuden (M10)
Hokuseiho (M11) beat Onosho (M9)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Takanosho (M8) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Mitakeumi (M6) beat Ura (M4)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Shodai (K) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Abi (M1)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Kiribayama (S) beat Daieisho (S)
Nishikigi (M3) beat Takakeisho (O)
Meisei (M6) beat Terunofuji (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The first career Gold Star Victory for Meisei! (Awarded when a Maegashira beats a Yokozuna in a tournament)
Leader: Terunofuji, Meisei, Asanoyama (8-1)
Of note: It’s a 3-way tie again after Meisei upset Terunofuji and also clinched promotion, as did Asanoyama. But now the letdown must be avoided and it won’t be easy as the giant (killer) Hokuseiho awaits tomorrow for Meisei. On the flip side, Kotoshoho’s post-near January title slump continues as he is the first to what is now a second straight demotion with his 8th loss.
Ozeki Watch: We had 2 of the 3 Sekiwake Showdowns today with Kiribayama beating Daieisho and Wakamotoharu beating Hoshoryu. The trio wraps up tomorrow with Kiribayama-Wakamotoharu. Kiribayama now needs to finish 3-3 or better for likely Ozeki promotion while Wakamotoharu still needs to go 6-0 or win the championship. Kiribayama & Wakamotoharu are both 7-2 with Daieisho & Hoshoryu at 6-3 and both probably needing to win out for promotion chances.
Key matches tomorrow: Terunofuji-Kotonowaka, Meisei-Hokuseiho, Asanoyama-Hiradoumi, Kiribayama-Wakamotoharu (Wakamotoharu probably can’t be promoted to Ozeki this time if he loses).

Juryo:
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Tochimusashi (Ms4)
Tokihayate (J14) beat Tamashoho (J11)
Shimanoumi (J13) beat Kitanowaka (J10)
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Chiyonokuni (J9)
Chiyosakae (J12) beat Daiamami (J9)
Ochiai (J8) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Tomokaze (J12) beat Atamifuji (J8)
Churanoumi (J7) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Takakento (J7) beat Enho (J3)
Oshoma (J4) beat Bushozan (J3)
Roga (J4) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Hakuyozan (J6) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Shimazuumi (J6)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Akua (J5)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (9-0)
Of note: No new promotions earned today as the co-leaders are now 2 wins clear of the field and still on a championship collision course. But Shonannoumi is now just one win away from the top tikuahimself with his 7th win today. Alua joined Enho & Chiyonokuni in demotion territory with his 8th loss, both Enho & Chiyonokuni are 0-9.
Key matches tomorrow: Ochiai-Bushozan, Gonoyama-Atamifuji.
Hayatefuji is the Makushita man up tomorrow, at 3-2 so far he’ll be going for a promotion.

Lower tier notes: As expected the 8 Makushita unbeatens are now down to 4, and a potential awkward Juryo July is being set up because Shishi, 5-0 at Ms2, is almost certainly going to Juryo and could be on track to face Roga there. That would mean a Ukraine-Russia sumo match against the backdrop of their ongoing real-life war (Shishi is from Ukraine, Roga is from Russia). In the Sandanme, 5 are at 5-0 so far while the Jonidan has 6 at 5-0. In the Jonokuchi, Reonmaru is the sole leader at 5-0 while Haruyama is 4-0.

UPDATE: 2 Juryo withdrawals ahead of Day 10-Enho and Chiyonokuni are both out. Unknown. Both will finish the equivalent of 0-15 as a result. Chiyonokuni almost certainly will be demoted to Makushita as he was J9 while Enho should stay at Juryo given he was at J3. Tomokaze gets a free win over Chiyonokuni to go to 4-5 while Akua gets the freebie over Enho to go to 2-8.

Subsequent Update: Nikkan Sports reports Enho is out due to a herniated cervical disc. Out at least 3 months, meaning he’ll miss the July tournament and almost certainly be demoted from Juryo to Makushita. As for Chiyonokuni, knees-both meniscus and left knee osteoarthritis (the latter condition is part of what kept Terunofuji out most of the last year). Out indefinitely.

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

MakuuchI (top tier):
Myogiryu (M14) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Ichiyamamoto (M15) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Oho (M16)
Hokuseiho (M11) beat Asanoyama (M14)
Kagayaki (M17) beat Daishoho (M11)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Takanosho (M8)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Ryuden (M10)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Meisei (M6)
Onosho (M9) beat Mitakeumi (M6)
Nishikifuji (M3) beat Kinbozan (M6)
Abi (M1) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Midorifuji (M1) beat Daieisho (S)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Kiribayama (S) beat Ura (M4)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Shodai (K)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Leader: Terunofuji (8-0)
Of note: UPSET ALERT DAY! 2 of the 3 remaining unbeatens went down as both Asanoyama and Meisei took their first losses so no promotions earned although Terunofuji remained perfect. And Takakeisho’s knees are somehow holding up as his win over Shodai puts him just 2 wins from getting out of kadoban status. I would not be surprised if, should he get to 8 wins soon enough, he withdraws at that point.
Ozeki Watch: At 6-2 at the halfway point, Kiribayama needs to go 4-3 or better to be eligible for promotion to Ozeki or win the tournament. Wakamotoharu, now at the same record but with consecutive losses, must either win out (go 7-0) or win the tournament for a promotion chance. Daieisho & Hoshoryu probably need 6-1 finishes or the title.
Key match tomorrow: Terunofuji-Meisei. EIther a kinboshi and perhaps 3-way tie at the top again or the Yokozuna could pull 2 clear of the field. Asanoyama gets Ryuden (3-5).

Juryo:
Chiyonoumi (Ms3) beat Tomokaze (J12)
Chiyosakae (J12) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Shimanoumi (J13) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Kitanowaka (J10)
Tsushimanada (J12) beat Chiyonokuni (J9)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Tamashoho (J11)
Daiamami (J8) beat Takakento (J7)
Churanoumi (J7) beat Tokihayate (J11)
Ochihi (J8) beat Shimazuumi (J6)
Bushozan (J3) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Azumaryu (J2) beat Enho (J3)
Tohakuryu (J2) beat Akua (J5)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Roga (J3)
Oshoma (J4) beat Shonannoumi (J1)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (8-0)
Of note: Welcome to the show, Gonoyama-8 wins and a promotion means he is headed to the top tier in July. It seems to be between him and Ochiai for the title but surely Bushozan and Atamifuji will have a say at 7-1 (the latter having a great bounceback tournament after a slump once he reached the top tier for the first time). Now the question with Ochiai is can he possibly rack up enough wins to make the top tier in July from J8 should he win the championship? It’s probably the only way along with at least 13 wins (as reference, remember that about that same number of wins and a championship got Asanoyama from J12 to J1 after January), if not he’ll all but be there in September. On the flip side we have our first demotions as well, as both Enho and Chiyonokuni are now 0-8.
Key matches tomorrow: Gonoyama-Akua, Ochiai-Hidenoumi. Having seemingly switched from epic salt fist poses to Terutsuyoshi-like epic salt throws, Akua is fighting like Terutsuyoshi and has slumped to a 1-7 record so far. Hidenoumi is 3-5. As for the 7-1s, Atamifuji gets Tomokaze while Bushozan has Oshoma.

Lower tier notes: At the halfway point, 8 are tied for the Makushita lead at 4-0, including notably Wakatakamoto, the oldest of the Wakas who has never reached higher than Makushita in his career. All unbeatens face each other tomorrow so the 8 will go down to 4. Also, if Kawazoe, the popular human slinky, can get one more win this tournament, he will be promoted to Juryo in July (he is 3-1 at Ms1). Also with a promotion chance is Onosato, a former 2-time amateur yokozuna champion who earned a provisional Makushita 10 ranking for his debut this tournament-he is also 3-1 with 3 straight wins after a debut loss. 10 are tied for the Sandanme lead at 4-0. 12 are tied for the Jonidan lead at 4-0 while 3 are tied for the Jonokuchi lead at 4-0 with one at 3-0. Also, the Makushita has one withdrawal for tomorrow (Ienoshima, Ms39, was 1-3 so that’s a demotion), the Sandanme has 3 withdrawals and Jonidan has one.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 7 of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Myogiryu (M14) beat Enho (J3)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Kagayaki (M17) beat Kotoeko (M12)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Hokuseiho (M11)
Oho (M16) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Daishoho (M11) beat Ryuden (M10)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Onosho (M9) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Mitakeumi (M6) beat Takanosho (M8)
Meisei (M6) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Nishikigi (M4)
Midorifuji (M1) beat Abi (M1)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Endo (M21) by default/withdrawal
Shodai (K) beat Kiribayama (S)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Daieisho (S) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Takakeisho (O) beat Ura (M4)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Leader: Terunofuji, Meisei, Asanoyama (7-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Endo (M2). Knee injury. Doubtful to return this tournament. If he doesn’t, he will be the only top tier rikishi to finish winless. That would mean a big drop in the rankings-he’ll stay in the top tier in July but I’d knock him down all the way to Maegashira 12.

Juryo:
Shimanoumi (J13) beat Chiyosakae (J12)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Tomokaze (J12) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Tokihayata (J14) beat Kitanowaka (J10)
Daiamami (J9) beat Fujiseiun (J13)
Atamifuji (J6) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Churanoumi (J7) beat Chiyonokuni (J9)
Ochiai (J8) beat Takakento (J7)
Bushozan (J3) beat Shimazuumi (J6)
Hakuyozan (J6) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Azumaryu (J2) beat Akua (J5)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Roga (J4)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Oshoma (J4)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (7-0)

Reminder: NHK World Japan will air 50 minutes of LIVE top tier matches tomorrow FOR FREE at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET. NHK World Japan is available online and via smart TV apps FOR FREE in addition to select cable/satellite providers.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 6 of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Seliwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Bushozan (J3) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Oho (M16) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Myogiryu (M12)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Kagayaki (M17)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Hokuseiho (M11) beat Kotoeko (M12)
Onosho (M9) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Daishoho (M11)
Takanosho (M8) beat Ryuden (M10)
Mitakeumi (M6) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Kinbozan (M5) beat Tanawashi (M7)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Meisei (M6) beat Ura (M4)
Midorifuji (M1) beat Endo (M2)
Shodai (K) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Kirobayama (S) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Abi (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Nishikigi (M4)
Leader: Terunofuji, Meisei, Asanoyama (6-0)

Juryo:
Tokihayate (J14) beat Fujiseiun (J13)
Tomokaze (J12) beat Shimanoumi (J13)
Chiyosakae (J12) beat Ryuo (Ms3)
Chiyomaru (J10) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Daiamami (J9)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Chiyonokuni (J9)
Ochiai (J8) beat Kitanowaka (J10)
Hakuyozan (J6) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Shimazuumi (J6)
Takakento (J7) beat Tochinoshin (J5) by default/withdrawal
Oshoma (J4) beat Akua (J5)
Roga (J4) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Enho (J3)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (6-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Tochinoshin (J5). Retirement. Nikkan Sports reports he will not remain with the Nihon Sumo Kyokai in an Oyakata role or other position due to not having full Japanese citizenship (he is a dual national and a citizen of his native Georgia).
This means no more Makushita man daily in Juryo for now but we’ll still have a Juryo man in the top tier at least through tomorrow (tomorrow it’s fan favorite Enho who is a disappointing 0-6 so far).