Tag: sumo

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).

It looks like we have another in-tournament retirement in sumo-Nikkan Sports reports Tochinoshin submitted retirement paperwork today to the Japan Sumo Association and has officially withdrawn from the May Tournament, finishing with an 0-6 record. The former Ozeki, originally from the country of Georgia, announced he will not remain in the Association in another role due to apparently not having full Japanese citizenship.

Tochinoshin finishes his career with 6 championships including one Emperor’s Cup, 11 Special Prizes and 2 Gold Star Victories. His final career record is 681-615-106 (win-loss-absent). He was demoted from the top tier after January following a string of losing tournaments and a withdrawal due to injuries. Retirement ceremony plans are pending.

UPDATE: The retirement has been confirmed via the Nihon Sumo Kyokai English website. Final match today is recorded as a loss by default/withdrawal.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 5 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 Kagayaki (M17)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Oho (M16) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Kotoeko (M12)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Daishoho (M11)
Hokuseiho (M11) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Takarafuji (M10) beat Takanosho (M8)
Ryuden (M10) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Onosho (M9) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Mitakeumi (M6) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Meisei (M6) beat Nishikigi (M4$
Nishikifuji (M3) beat Endo (M2)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Abi (M1) beat Daieisho (S)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Shodai (K)
Korobayama (S) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Takakeisho (O)
terunofuji (Y) beat Ura (M4)
Leader: 4 at 5-0
Of note: There was some controversy surrounding Tobizaru-Takakeisho as the referee declared Takakeisho the winner in a clearly blown call. Takakeisho was going for an uwatenage (over arm throw) and his arm clearly hit the ground before Tobizaru’s body did. Replays quickly confirmed the obvious overturning by the judges. Nikkan Sports reported afterwards that the referee, who is the chief referee in sumo, offered his resignation to stablemaster Hakkaku, who is also the head of the Japan Sumo Association, following what was his 10th mistaken call since promotion to chief referee in 2019. The offer was declined.
Elsewhere, Daieisho fell from the unbeaten group today after his first loss, leaving 4 at 5-0: Terunofuji, Wakamotoharu, Meisei & Asanoyama. There are two at 0-5, Midorifuji & Endo, but somebody’s 0 has got to go tomorrow because they face each other.
Bushozan, currently 4-1, is the Juryo man up tomorrow and faces Ichiyamamoto.

Juryo:
Shishi (Ms2) beat Fujiseiun (J13)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Chiyosakae (J12)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Shimanoumi (J13)
Tokihayate (J14) beat Hidenoumi )J11)
Tomokaze (J12) beat Kitanowaka (J10)
Ochiai (J8) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Chiyonokuni (J9)
Churanoumi (J7) beat Daiamami (J9)
Takakento (J7) beat Akua (J5)
Shimazuumi (J6) beat Tochinoshin (J5)
Roga (J4) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Oshoma (J4) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Bushozan (J3) beat Shonannoumi (J1)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Enho (J3)
Leader: Gonoyama, Shimazuumi, Ochiai (5-0)

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 4 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 Azumaryu (J2)
Ichiyamamoto (M15) beat Kagayaki (M17)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Oho (M16)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Daishoho (M11)
Hokuseiho (M11) beat Ryuden (M10)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Onosho (M9)
Takanosho (M8) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Meisei (M6) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Kinbozan (M5) beat Mitakeumi (M6)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Ura (M4) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Daieisho (S) beat Shodai (K)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Abi (M1)
Kiribayama (S) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Takakeisho (O) beat Endo (M2)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Leader: 5 at 5-0
Of note: If you want fans to be disappointed, go for the big man HENKA!!! Takakeisho did just that to the crowd’s dismay, and it was more a half move due to his knees but it got him the easy win over Endo to go to 3-1, 5 wins from getting out of kadoban status. No such issues for Terunofuji as he showed hos upper body strength is still there-once his arms lovk in the opponent’s arms near the biceps, it’s simple lift and carry to victory for the yokozuna as demonstrated today against Tobizaru by his impressive kimedashi (arm barring force out). Terunofuji is in a group of 5 atop the leaderbord including 2 Sekiwake (Wakamotoharu & Daieisho), a resurgent Meisei and of course Asanoyama. On the other side, the biggest disappointment has to be Midorifuji, who started 10-0 in March. In May his start is now 0-4.
Watch for potential HENKA!!! again at the top tomorrow as Takakeisho gets The Flying Monkey Tobizaru tomorrow while Terunofuji’s opponent is the always-unpredictable Ura. Tohakuryu will be the Juryo man up for the day tomorrow from J2, drawing Tsurugisho.

Juryo:
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Shimanoumi (J13) beat Kotokuzan (Ms2)
Chiyosakae (J12) beat Tokihayate (J14)
Chiyomaru (J10) beat Tomokaze (J12)
Kitanowaka (J10) beat Tamashoho (J11)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Chiyonokuni (J9)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Daiamami (J9)
Ochiai (J8) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Takakento (J7) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Shimazuumi (J6) beat Akua (J5)
Oshoma (J4) beat Tochinoshin (J5)
Roga (J4) beat Enho (J3)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Bushozan (J3)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Leader: Gonoyama, Shimazuumi, Ochiai (4-0)
Of note: Ochiai has been competing with a heavily taped left shoulder/upper body, perhaps related to his apparent injury last tournament. Perhaps his performance with maybe one good arm should serve as a warning-when/if he gets fully healthy, look out as the former Hakuho could have a Yokozuna in his stable much sooner rather than later, very fitting for the greatest Yokozuna ever. Co-leader Gonoyama is now halfway to the top tier at J1, if he keeps this up he’ll be in Makuuchi in July.
Interesting side note tomorrow-Shishi, a favorite of who I get Makushita match videos from on YouTube-is tomorrow’s Makushita man in Juryo. He gets huge crowd reactions in part because he is from Ukraine, which makes for interesting backstories should he ever face Russian rikishi Roga. Shishi is 2-0 at Ms2 and will face 3-1 Fujiseiun.

Finally, during a live stream of his SUMO PRIME TIME show yesterday on YouTube, host/NHK announcer Hiro Morita seemingly confirmed that Takayasu, who withdrew on Day 1 due to a thigh injury suffered in practice that morning, is out for the tournament and will try to return in July. He’ll be in the top tier still but will be demoted from Maegashira 2, probably down to Maegashira 10 or 11. Also, former top tier mainstay Ishiura, who has fallen down to Jonidan, again pulled out due to a back injury that has kept him out for about a year now. He’ll maybe drop to Jonokuchi or even be unranked in July.

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Here are the quick results from today’s Day 3 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):
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Oho (M16)
Kagayaki (M17) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Mitoryu (M16) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Kotoeko (M12)
Hokuseiho (M11) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Daishoho (M11) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Onosho (M9) beat Ryuden (M10)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Takanosho (M8)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Mitakeumi (M6) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Meisei (M6) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Ura (M4) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Abi (M1) beat Kiribayama (S)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Shodai (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Nishikigi (M4)
Takakeisho (O) beat Abi (M1)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Endo (M2)
Leader: 6 at 3-0
Of note: Although he won, Takakeisho looks worrisome still with his knees, clearly in discomfort stepping off the dohyo after his match and it showed on his face. Let’s just hope he can hold on long enough for 8 wins and getting out of kadoban status. On the flip side, no such issues for Terunofuji as he has looked strong in a 3-0 start so far. Asanoyama seemingly got lucky today, as his win over Kotoeko came via reversal after a Mono-ii (Judges conference) after the win first went to Kotoeko. Kiribayama took his first loss today but nothing to worry about in terms of Ozeki promotion chances yet, while Daieisho & Wakamotoharu continue strong starts to keep their chances alive as both went to 3-0. Hoshoryu fell victim to a HENKA! (Dodge) at the start by Tobizaru and took a flash loss to The Flying Monkey. Also of note-in the last 2 tournaments, including this one, Shonannoumi has now been up 3 times as a Juryo man and is 3-0 in those appearances with today’s win.

Juryo:
Kawazoe (Ms1) beat Tokihayate (J14)
Shimanoumi (J13) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Tomokaze (J12)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Chiyosakae (J12)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Kitanowaka (J10)
Daiamami (J9) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Ochiai (J8) beat Chiyonokuni (J9)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Takakento (J7)
Shimazuumi (J6) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Hakuyozan (J6) beat Tochinoshin (J5)
Roga (J4) beat Akua (J5)
Bushozan (J3) beat Enho (J3)
Tohakuryu (J2) beat Oshoma (J4)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Leader: 5 at 3-0

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 2 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):
Gonoyama (J1) beat Kagayaki (M17)
Mitoryu (M16) beat Oho (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M15) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Aoiyama (M13) beat Daishoho (M11)
Takarafuji (M10) beat Hokuseiho (M11)
Ryuden (M10) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Onosho (M9) beat Takanosho (M8)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Mitakeumi (M6) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Meisei (M6) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Kinbozan (M5) beat Nishikigi (M4)
Shodai (K) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Kiribayama (S) beat Endo (M2)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Daieisho (S) beat Ura (M4)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Takakeisho (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Abi (M1)
Leader: 10 at 2-0
Of note: Takakeisho concerns raised today as his knees were tightly taped and it clearly affected him against Kotonowaka. It may be a struggle just to get out of kadoban status with 8 wins. The good news for the Kyokai is Kiribayama, who needs 10 wins to meet criteria for Ozeki promotion (or another championship, the criteria is 2 straight championships or 33 wins over 3 consecutive tournaments in Sanyaku, meaning at Komusubi and Sekiwake) is off to a perfect 2-0 start and now only sits 8 wins from potential promotion. Wakamotoharu is also in Ozeki consideration but probably needs a championship unless he can manage 13 wins, but all the Sekiwake are 2-0 which is a good sign. Also 2-0 is Asanoyama after another easy win, and Terunofuji who maybe caught a break when Abi had his right knee/leg go out in their match. Hopefully not an injury, it looked to me like Abi just slipped and lost his footing. For now Abi is still in the tournament but we’ll see. No Takayasu return yet, NHK World Japan made it sound like he’s out for the tournament after his Opening Day last-minute withdrawal. After Gonoyama won today, Shonannoumi gets the Juryo man spot tomorrow and will face Oho. Shonannoumi is currently 1-1 at Juryo 1.

Juryo:
Shiden (Ms1) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Shimanoumi (J13) beat Tokihayate (J14)
Chiyosakae (J12) beat Fujiseiun (J13)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Tomokaze (J12)
Chiyomaru (J10) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Kitanowaka (J10) beat Chiyonokuni (J9)
Ochiai (J8) beat Daiamami (J9)
Atamifuji (J9) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Shimazuumi (J6) beat Takakento (J7)
Hakuyozan (J6) beat Akua (J5)
Roga (J4) beat Tochinoshin (J5)
Oshoma (J4) beat Enho (J3)
Bushozan (J3) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Leader: 7 at 2-0
Of note: Shiden, looking to get a second chance at Juryo after being forced to miss his debut tournament, is halfway there as he picked up the Makushita man win to go to 2-0 and probably get a couple days off bow as the lower tiers just finished their first matches today. Gonoyama was in the top tier and won tiday. Azumaryu is an early struggler again as he’s a quick 0-2 after his latest demotion from the top tier and Enho is also 0-2, but his pattern the last year has been alternating winning and losing tournaments. Unfortunately that means’s he’a due for a demotion. And despite strong fan support for the former Ozeki it’s another 0-2 start for Tochinoshin.
Kawazoe, the fan-favorite human slinky at Ms1, gets to be the Makushita man tomorrow for his first chance in Juryo. He lost his first match and will try to get to 1-1 against Tokihayate.

All the lower tiers have finished their first matches but in Makushita Shiden is the early 2-0 leader because of an early second match today. The lower tiers also had their usual slate of Day 1 withdrawals, only one in Makushita, among the notable names is Kironofuji in the Sandanme. He reportedly has been forced to retire due to involvement in a bullying scandal that engulfed Isegahama Beya earlier this year that also caused stablemaster Isegahama to resign from his position as chief judge. Apparently not involved was Terunofuji, a member of the stable.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 1-Opening 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):
Oho (M16) beat Kagayaki (M17)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Aoiyama (M12) beat Kotoeko (M12)
Hokuseiho (M11) beat Daishoho (M11). This match went 3 minutes (marathon in sumo)
Takarafuji (M10) beat Ryuden (M10)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Onosho (M9)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Takanosho (M8)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Meisei (M6) beat Mitakeumi (M6)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Ura (M4) beat NIshikigi (M4)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Endo (M2)
Daieisho (S) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Takayasu (M2) by default/withdrawal
Kiribayama (S) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Takakeisho (O) beat Abi (M1)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Shodai (K)
WITHDRAWAL: Takayasu (M2), Thigh injury suffered in training this morning. Out indefinitely. Not known if he will return this tournament but will not return tomorrow. Gonoyama will be the Juryo man coming up tomorrow and will face Kagayaki. Wakatakakage was a pre-tournament withdrawal as expected due to knee surgery (torn MCL and ACL). Out 6-12 months. Given the surgery was after the March tournament when he withdrew on Day 14, he definitely will miss July and will be questionable at best for September.

Juryo:
Tokihayate (J14) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Shimanoumi (J13)
Chiyosakae (J12) beat Tomokaze (J12)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Kitanowaka (J10) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Daiamami (J9) beat Chiyonokuni (J9)
Ochiai (J8) beat Atamifuji (J8)
Churanoumi (J7) beat Takakento (J7)
Shimazuumi (J6) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Akua (J5) beat Tochinoshin (J5)
Oshoma (J4) beat Roga (J4)
Tohakuryu (J2) beat Enho (J3)
Bushozan (J3) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Shonannoumi (J1)
With Gonoyama in the top tier tomorrow, Shiden will be the Makushita man up for the day and will face Tsushimanada.