Tag: sumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 8-the halfway point-of the March 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, J-Juryo
Kinbozan (M14) beat Chiyoshoma (M16)
Daishoho (M13) beat Mitoryu (M17)
Hokuseiho (M15) beat Kotoeko (M13)
Oho (M15) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Bushozan (M14) beat Azumaryu (M11)
Tsurugisho (M16) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Ura (M8) beat Takanosho (M11)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Takayasu (M7)
Ichiyamamoto (M8) beat Sadanoumi (M7)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Midorifuji (M8) beat Aoiyama (M9)
Endo (M6) beat Onosho (M4)
Meisei (M4) beat Ryuden (M2)
Daieisho (K) beat Abi (M3)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Shodai (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Wakatakakage (S) beat NIshikigi (M3)
Kiribayama (S) beat Tobizaru (K)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Mitakeumi (M3)
Leader: Midorifuji (8-0)
Of note: Terunowho? It’s not the Yokozuna of Isegahama Beya at the top at halfway, but his stablemate and the smallest rikishi in the top tier having the start of his career and the first to clinch promotion. The field thinned out a little today with now only Daieisho within a win of the lead at 7-1 as he pursues his second top tier championship. On the flip side, the honeymoon comes to a crashing halt for Azumaryu, as he follows up his first winning tournament in the top tier with a guaranteed demotion at 0-8, possibly back to Juryo if he doesn’t get some wins. 4 more could be demoted tomorrow including January runner-up Kotoshoho and also Ryuden, who would see a long winning run come to an end. Tamawashi is also in the 1-7 group, the efforts have been there for the ironman but not the results.
Also noteworthy is Hokuseiho winning with a rare technique, harimanage, a technique that hasn’t been seen in the top tier in roughly 3 years. It’s basically a rear belt lifting arm throw/liftout, something I’ve never seen before. But as the tallest rikishi in the top tier it was an impressive display of the rookie’s height advantages.
Key match tomorrow: Midorifuji-Ura. Ura has the hometown crowd behind him and is always tricky & unpredictable. If Midorifuji takes his first loss Daieisho can pull back even, he’s got Tamawashi.

Juryo:
Takakento (J12) beat Tokushoryu (J14)
Ochiai (J14) beat Shimanoumi (J11)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Tamashoho (J13)
Tochimusashi (J12) beat Kotokuzan (J10)
Tomokaze (J13) at Tsushimanada (J9)
Churanoumi (J10) beat Atamifuji (J8)
Akua (J7) beat Hakuyozan (J9)
Gonoyama (J6) beat Hidenoumi (J8)
Enho (J5) beat Shimazuumi (J7)
Ichinojo (J3) beat Shonannoumi (J3)
Daiamami (J6) beat Chiyonokuni (J2)
Roga (J5) beat Tochinoshin (J2)
Asanoyama (J1) beat Oshoma (J4)
Tohakuryu (J1) beat Chiyomaru (J4)
Leader: 4 at 7-1
Of note: Just one to go…Asanoyama now is just one win over the final week from a top tier return in May. Ichinojo is trending towards a return as well following a suspension-induced demotion, as both remain in a logjam at the top of the leaderboard with Gonoyama and Ochiai, sporting a notably taped elbow/arm after yesterday’s injury concerns but he toughed it out and picked up a big win, now just one win from another promotion. But at this point even 7-8 may not send him back down to Makushita. Who won’t be moving back up is Chiyomaru, the first demotion in Juryo at 0-8 now.
No co-leader faceoffs tomorrow, on paper Ochiai has the toughest draw in Hakuyozan (6-2). Asanoyama goes for promotion in his first chance tomorrow against Roga (4-4). Gonoyama gets Atamifuji while Ichinojo draws fellow Mongolian Oshoma.

Lower tier notes at halfway:
In the Makushita, 8 have clinched promotions and share the lead at 4-0 with Kawazoe having the best chance to be promoted to Juryo in May at Makushita 3. That would also make 2 straight tournaments with promotions to Juryo for the former Yokozuna Hakuho following his taking over Miyagino Beya. Shiden has a chance from Makushita 6 depending on how he does, he’d love a second chance before what would’ve been his Juryo debut last year turned out to be a missed tournament. Former Makushita Champion Yoshii is also back in the mix and would have a slight chance at reaching Juryo if he prevailed again, this time from Makushita 19. At 26 & 27 Ryuo & Kayo could guarantee Nishonoseki Beya a championship if they keep winning.
In the Sandanme, 10 are 4-0 with promotions secured at the halfway point. In the Jonidan, 13 are tied at 4-0 with at least 2 or 3 of those likely moving up to the Sandanme in May. Finally, in the Jonokuchi there are two at 4-0 with one in action tomorrow, but not both.
The Makushita already has 2 withdrawals going into Day 9 while the Sandanme has one withdrawal and one return.

UPDATE: Onosho has WITHDRAWN on Day 9. More to come later. He was 4-4 coming in to Day 9. Hokutofuji gets a free win as a result and will be 5-4.

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

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Oho (M15) beat Tsurugisho (M16)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Chiyomaru (J4)
Mitoryu (M17) beat Kotoeko (M13)
Bushozan (M14) beat Daishoho (M13)
Chiyoshoma (M16) beat Kagayaki (M12)
Takanosho (M11) beat Hokuseiho (M15)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Azumaryu (M11)
Ura (M8) beat Nishikifuji (M10)
Ichiyamamoto (M8) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Endo (M6) bat Aoiyama (M9)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Takayasu (M7)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Sadanoumi (M6)
Meisei (M4) beat Mitakeumi (M3)
Shodai (M1) beat Abi (M2)
Tobizaru (K) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Kiribayama (S)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Ryuden (M2)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Onosho (M4)
Nishikigi (M3) beat Takakeisho (O) by default/withdrawal
WITHDRAWAL: Takakeisho (O). Meniscus/knee injury suffered a couple days ago. Out the rest of the tournament and should be back in May.
Of note: With Takakeisho officially out, it’s the first time in a VERY LONG time that a tournament will finish, let alone reach halfway, with no Yokozuna and no Ozeki in it. Takakeisho will go from Yokozuna candidate to kadoban status in May, needing a winning record to avoid demotion. At the top…well well, who had the littlest man in the top tier the only one at 7-0? That’s where Midorifuji is now all by himself, now one ahead of Takayasu & Daieisho. He’ll go for the first promotion of the tournament tomorrow and try and work his magic against Aoiyama. Kotoshoho & Ichiyamamoto are finally on the board with their first wins today and Wakatakakage now has consecutive wins as he tries to stay at Sekiwake for May, bur Azumaryu is now on the verge of a disappointing demotion after his first winning record in the top tier last time. He’ll try to avoid that against top-tier rookie Bushozan, who is 2-5.

Juryo:
Ochiai (J14) beat Tochimusashi (J12)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Mineyaiba (Ms4)
Tomokaze (J13) beat Churanoumi (J10)
Tokushoryu (J14) beat Kotokuzan (J10)
Hakuyozan (J9) beat Tamashoho (J13)
Hidenoumi (J8) beat Takakento (J12)
Shimanoumi (J11) beat Shimazuumi (J7)
Tsushimanada (J9) beat Akua (J7)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Daiamami (J6)
Gonoyama (J6) beat Ichinojo (J3)
Tochinoshin (J2) beat Enho (J5)
Chiyonokuni (J2) beat Roga (J5)
Tohakuryu (J1) beat Oshoma (J4)
Asanoyama (J1) beat Shonannoumi (J3)
Leader: 5 at 6-1
Of note: The last unbeaten went down today as Gonoyama upset Ichinojo, making it wide open heading to the halfway point. Although he won to share the lead there is concern about Ochiai as he potentially injured his elbow-possibly hyperextended as Tochimusashi was really pulling his arm hard as he went down. He was favoring his left elbow after the match. Hopefully he’ll be able to continue but at 6-1 in his Juryo debut he’s in great shape although missing more than a day would probably take him out of the yusho race. 2 more to go for Asanoyama as it now seems like he’ll be back in the top tier in May. Tochinoshin is almost back to .500 although he had it almost too easy against Enho, with what looked like a stiff forearm at the initial charge that put the popular small wrestler right on his butt hard. Ouch. Along with Tochimusashi, Daiamami is on the verge of demotion as he is also 0-7. No more Makushita man up in Juryo with the withdrawal of Takakeisho today unless a Juryo man withdraws.
None of the co-leaders face off on Day 8. If Ochiai is okay he has the most favorable draw in Shimanoumi.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage tomorrow morning at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET.

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

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Mitoryu (M17) beat Oho (M15)
Shonannoumi (J3) beat Bushozan (M15)
Daishoho (M13) beat Hokuseiho (M15)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Kinbozan (M14)
Tsurugisho (M16) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Chiyoshoma (M16) beat Azumaryu (M11)
Myogiryu (M10) beat Kagayaki (M12)
Aoiyama (M9) beat Nishikifuji (M10)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Takanosho (M11)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Ura (M8)
Takayasu (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Endo (M6)
Meisei (M4) beat Sadanoumi (M6)
Abi (M2) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Shodai (M1) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Tobizaru (K)
Daieisho (K) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Onosho (M4)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Ryuden (M2)
Kiribayama (S) beat NIshikigi (M3)
Mitakeumi (M3) beat Takakeisho (O)
Leader: Takayasu, Midorifuji, Daieisho (6-0)
Of note: We can say with 99% certainty it’s over for Takakeisho. He will not be promoted to Yokozuna after this tournament-at this point to have even the slightest chance he must win out. The tweaked knee a couple days ago was the end, it’s affecting him too much. Also of concern is Kirabayama potentially suffering an elbow injury in his win-after taking Nishikigi down with a sotogake (inside leg trip), Nishikigi was holding Kiribayama’s arm going down and twisted his elbow awkwardly as he went down. Not intentional by any means but Kiribayama stayed down on his knees for several moments and was clearly favoring his left elbow. For now he’s likely going to give it a go on Day 7. The only change at the top was Nishikifuji falling from the unbeatens, but tomorrow somebody’s 0 Has Got To Go because Takayasu faces Midorifuji. Daieisho gets Wakamotoharu. Chiyomaru is the Juryo man up tomorrow but he’s 0-6 and badly slumping, which could be good news for opponent Kinbozan. Elsewhere Wakatakakage finally got on the board with his first win and Hoshoryu got a needed victory albeit unpopular because of the HENKA! Kotoshoho & Azumaryu remain a disappointing winless, both 0-6. Azumaryu may have forgotten to show up after his first winning record in the top tier last time out, he could be headed back to Juryo without wins.

Juryo:
Tomokaze (M13) beat Tamashoho (J13)
Kawazoe (Ms3) beat Tochimusashi (J12)
Takakento (J12) beat Shimanoumi (J11)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Tokushoryu (J14)
Ochiai (J14) beat Churanoumi (J10)
Hakuyozan (J9) beat Tsushimanada (J9)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Kotokuzan (J10)
Akua (J7) beat Shimazuumi (J7)
Hidenoumi (J8) beat Daiamami (J6)
Enho (J5) beat Roga (J5)
Gonoyama (J6) beat Oshoma (J5)
Tochinoshin (J2) beat Chiyonokuni (J4)
Asanoyama (J1) beat Chiyomaru (J4)
Ichinojo (J3) beat Tohakuryu (J1)
Leader: Ichinojo (6-0)
Of note: Looks like it’s Ichinojo’s to lose now. He is in control as the only unbeaten but if he stumbles, 5 including Asanoyama are right there at 5-1, also including Juryo newcomer Ochiai who is having an excellent debut. Kawazoe, the human slinky in Makushita, earned his 4th win today making him the first rikishi in any tier this tournament to clinch a promotion and winning record. He’ll probably get a couple days’ rest now as the rest of Makushita just finished its 3rd round. One more win and he should be Juryo in May, potentially replacing (among others) Tochimusashi, who has gone from Juryo champion last summer to likely demotion at 0-6 now. And Ochiai could put him on the brink at 0-7 tomorrow. Mineyaiba will be the Makushita man up tomorrow from Ms4, he is currently 1-2 and gets Kitanowaka. For those curious about Terutsuyoshi, he is 1-2 at Ms1 and needs to finish 4-1 or 5-0 to return to Juryo.
In the Makushita, 14 go into the halfway days at 3-0 and looking to join Kawazoe as co-leaders and earn promotions at first chance. In the Sandanme, 21 are currently 3-0 and looking to earn promotions, some possibly to Makushita, as well as staying atop the leaderboard. The Jonidan has 25 currently at 3-0 while the Jonokuchi has 3 sharing the lead at 3-0.

For the night owls, a reminder that NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage on Day 8 beginning Sunday at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET. The network is available online and on tablet/smartphone/smart TV apps and is COMPLETELY FREE to watch. No account creation or cable/satellite TV provider is necessary.

UPDATE: Potential nightmare future scenario for the Nihon Sumo Kyokai at the top of the rankings…it is officially over for Takakeisho. He is OUT going into Day 7. Left meniscus (knee). Likely done for the tournament. Said nightmare scenario is because of the continued absence of Terunofuji-if worst-case happens and he is forced to retire, there would be ZERO YOKOZUNA active. And potentially zero Ozeki depending on what happens with Takakeisho. If he can’t return by Day 11 he goes into kadoban status (8+ losses as Ozeki) in May, meaning he must get at least 8 wins or be demoted. Nishikigi gets the free win today as a result.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 5 of the March 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Ichinojo (J3) beat Hokuseiho (M15)
Mitoryu (M17) beat Bushozan (M14)
Konbozan (M14) beat Hokuseiho (M16)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Chiyoshoma (M16)
Oho (M15) beat Daishoho (M13)
Takanosho (M11) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Kagayaki (M12) beat Azumaryu (M11)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Apiyama (M9) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Takayasu (M7) beat Ura (M8)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Sadanoumi (M6)
Endo (M6) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Abi (M2) beat Meisei (M4)
Daieisho (K) beat Shodai (M1)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Onosho (M4) beat Kiribayama (S)
Nishikigi (M3) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Ryuden (M2)
Leader: Daieisho, Midorifuji, Takayasu, Nishikifuji (5-0)
Of note: Ryuden made it very easy for Takakeisho, suspiciously offering no resistance and letting the Ozeki have an easy win and not go too hard on his potentially injured knee. That gets Takakeisho to 3-2 and still in yokozuna contention. Surprises at the top as two Isegahama rikishi join Daieisho and a resurgent Takayasu at 5-0. Takayasu continues to look like his old strong self clming back from injury, if he keeps this up he could finally claim his first Emperor’s Cup after being so close so many times. On the flip side several are in real trouble-among the 0-5 starters are Kotoshoho, Azumaryu and Wakatakakage, who now has a very uphill climb just to stay at Sekiwake a year after winning this tournament. Hoshoryu struggled again today to fall to 2-3, meaning his Ozeki hopes are probably gone if he doesn’t win out. This could open the door to promotion for Kotonowaka to the 3rd highest rank if he continues to build on a solid 4-1 start.
Takakeisho draws Mitakeumi tomorrow, who if he shows up unmotivated could be another important win for Takakeisho. At the top, Daieisho gets the tough draw for 6-0 as he faces Kotonowaka while Midorifuji also has a tough one against 4-1 Endo. Takayasu gets a badly struggling Ichiyamamoto (0-5) while Nishikifuji gets Aoiyama (3-2).
Shonannoumi is the Juryo man up for the day tomorrow and draws Bushozan. The Juryo man is 4-1 and a win could help catapult him into the top tier in May if he keeps winning.

Juryo:
Ochiai (J14) beat Tomokaze (J13)
Takakento (J12) beat Tokihayate (Ms3)
Tokushoryu (J14) beat Tochimusashi (J12)
Tamashoho (J13) beat Shimanoumi (J11)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Kotokuzan (J10)
Churanoumi (J10) beat Tsushimanada (J9)
Hakuyozan (J9) beat Hidenoumi (J8)
Akua (J7) beat Atamifuji (J8)
Gokoyama (J6) beat Shimazuumi (J7)
Roga (J5) beat Daiamami (J6)
Enho (J5) beat Chiyomaru (J4)
Chiyonokuni (J2) beat Oshoma (J4)
Tohakuryu (J1) beat Shonannoumi (J3)
Asanoyama (J1) beat Tochinoshin (J2)
Leader: Ichinojo (5-0)
Of note: Asanoyama quickly bounced back from a loss to Ichinojo yesterday in easily winning the former Ozeki showdown with Tochinoshin, dropping the Georgian to 1-4 after his first win yesterday. He may not admit it but sadly it’s all over with him-he all but needs to retire after the tournament as his lower body has nothing left after recent injuries. Asanoyama is now halfway to promotion back to Makuuchi and has a very favorable match tomorrow against 0-5 Chiyomaru. Ichinojo was back in the top tier today and won to become the only unbeaten left in Juryo after Shonannoumi lost today and seems well on his way to a top tier return in May. He’ll go for 6-0 against Tohakuryu who is 2-3. Shonannoumi gets the top tier appearance tomorrow and it’s a favorable one on paper against Bushozan, who is 1-4.
Rising star Kawazoe, the human slinky who greatly impressed in his career debut despite a loss to Asanoyama in September and is in only his 4th career tournament, slowly moving up after debuting at Makushita 15, is the Makushita man coming up tomorrow. Because he is 3-0 in Makushita, a win tomorrow against the likely Makushita-bound Tochimusashi (0-5) will clinch a promotion and gives him a chance at a Juryo debut in May, but he probably will need at least 2 more wins to clinch it. 4-3 will likely only get him to Makushita 1.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 4 of the March 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Konusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Hokuseiho (M15) beat Mitoryu (M17)
Oho (M13) beat Chiyonokuni (J2)
Chiyoshoma (M16) beat Daishoho (M13)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Tsurugisho (M16)
Kagayaki (M12) beat Bushozan (M14)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Takanosho (M11) beat Aoiyama (M9)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Azumaryu (M11)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Ichiyamamoto (M9)
Myogiryu (M10) beat Ura (M8)
Takayasu (M7) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Onosho (M4) beat Sadanoumi (M6)
Endo (M6) beat Meisei (M4)
Daieisho (K) beat Mitakeumi (M3)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Nishikigi (M3)
Ryuden (M2) beat Tobizaru (K)
Kiribayama (S) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Shodai (M1) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Abi (M2) beat Takakeisho (O)
Leader: 5 at 4-0
Of note: Potential disaster today. Takakeisho was sporting a taped knee and in pre-match did not look comfortable and it clearly affected his performance. Now 2-2 and with injury concerns, the yokozuna chances are now in danger of fading away. The last time Takakeisho was in this position he wound up injured and having to withdraw, but managed to avoid demotion by finishing with a winning record while in kadoban status (he has been demoted from Ozeki before, also due to injury). Monitor his Day 5 performance carefully although he has a slightly easier-sounding draw in Ryuden. Also in big trouble is Wakatakakage-forget Ozeki, he’s halfway to demotion from Sekiwake after 7 tournaments because of his 0-4 start.

Juryo:
Ochiai (J14) beat Tokushoryu (J14)
Chiyosakae (Ms2) beat Tamashoho (J13)
Takakento (J12) beat Kitanowaka (J11)
Churanoumi (J10) beat Kotokuzan (J10)
Hakuyozan (J9) beat Shinamoumi (J11)
Hidenoumi (J8) beat Atamifuji (J8)
Tsushimanada (J6) beat Shimazuumi (J7)
Gonoyama (J6) beat Daiamami (J6)
Enho (J5) beat Akua (J7)
Oshoma (J4) beat Chiyomaru (J4)
Shonannoumi (J3) beat Roga (J5)
Ichinojo (J3) beat Asanoyama (J1)
Tochinoshin (J2) beat Tohakuryu (J1)
Leader: Ichinojo, Shonannoumi (4-0)
Of note: Anytime Asanoyama has lost in his comeback it’s been a shocking upset. Facing the biggest man in the top 2 tiers today in Ichinojo, losing to the July champion who is off to a hot start was a milder shock but still a surprise. But no need to panic, he’s still 3-1 and in good shape. Shonannoumi was the only other unbeaten to win today and go to 4-0. Ichinojo will be in the top tier tomorrow while Asanoyama tries to bounce back against fellow former Ozeki Tochinoshin, who got his first win today. Shonannoumi goes for 5-0 against Tohakuryu, who is 1-3.

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

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Tsurugisho (M16) beat Mitoryu (M17)
Chiyoshoma (M16) beat Tochinoshin (J32)
Bushozan (M14) beat Oho (M15)
Hokuseiho (M15) beat Kinbozan (M14)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Daishoho (M13) beat Kagayaki (M13)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Takanosho (M11)
Myogiryu (M10) beat Azumaryu (M11)
Ura (M8) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Aoiyama (M9) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Takayasu (M7) beat Sadanoumi (M6)
Endo (M6) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Meisei (M4)
Onosho (M4) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Mitakeumi (M3) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Tobizaru (K) beat Nishikigi (M3)
Daieisho (K) beat Ryuden (M2)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Abi (M2) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Kiribayama (S) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Takakeisho (O) beat Shodai (M1)
Leader: 9 at 3-0
Of note: A faster start than his opponent gave Takakeisho another big win today over a resurgent Shodai, that’s 2 straight wins after an opening day loss. He’ll need another such fast start tomorrow as his opponent is fellow relentless pusher-thruster Abi. Hoshoryu picked up an important first win but the Ozeki quest is already over for Wakatakakage, who is 0-3 and his only chance at promotion now is win the tournament (now highly unlikely). Also a surprising 0-3 is January runner-up Kotoshoho. Tochinoshin came back up as the Juryo man of the day in the top tier and did not look good at all. Given his performance so far and his knee injury history, I believe this tournament will be the end for the former Ozeki. Not retiring would shock me. 9 remain a perfect 3-0 so far and all can remain unbeaten tomorrow.

Juryo:
Fujiseiun (Ms2) beat Tomokaze (J13)
Tamashoho (J13) beat Tokushoryu (J14)
Ochiai (J14) beat Takakento (J12)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Tochimusashi (J12)
Kotokuzan (J10) beat Shimanoumi (J11)
Hakuyozan (J9) beat Churanoumi (J10)
Hidenoumi (J8) beat Tsushimanada (J9)
Shimazuumi (J7) beat Atamifuji (J8)
Gonoyama (J6) beat Akua (J7)
Enho (J5) beat Daiamami (J6)
Roga (J5) beat Chiyomaru (J4)
Shonannoumi (J3) beat Oshoma (J4)
Ichinojo (J3) beat Chiyonokuni (J2)
Asanoyama (J1) beat Tohakuryu (J1)
Leader: 5 at 3-0
Of note: While Juryo has twice as many matches as the lower tiers, Asanoyama continues to be almost unbeatable since his return from a 1-year suspension. He seems well on the way to another 5-0/9-0 start with 3 wins already, and since his comeback is now a combined 37-3. It almost seems a lock he’ll be back at the top tier in May (he needs at least 5 more wins), but first there’s the matter of winning another tournament…and also co-leader and July top tier champion Ichinojo tomorrow. The winner could very well wind up being Juryo champion although it’s early. Tamashoho is also having a good Juryo debut so far, he’s up there in the 3-0 crowd. On the flip side, another 0-3 start has former Juryo champion Tochimusashi sliding potentially back to Makushita in May, he hasn’t had a winning record since his championship. Maybe he should’ve stayed Kanno instead of changing his name?

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

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Chiyoshoma (M16) beat Mitoryu (M17)
Tsurugisho (M16) beat Tohakuryu (J1)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Oho (M15)
Hokuesiho (M15) beat Bushozan (M14)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Kagayaki (M12)
Daishoho (M13) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Takanosho (M11) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Azumaryu (M11)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Ura (M8) beat Aoiyama (M9)
Takayasu (M7) beat Endo (M6)
Sadanoumi (M6) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Onosho (M4)
Meisei (M4) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Nishikigi (M3)
Tobizaru (K) beat Mitakeumi (M3)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Ryuden (M2)
Daieisho (K) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Shodai (M1) beat Kiribayama (S)
Abi (M2) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Of note: Takakeisho came back strong after a surprise opening day loss and easily beat back the ironman Tamawashi, but he has to be careful tomorrow as next is Shodai, who looks like the old Ozeki Shodai at an impressive 2-0. It’s not looking good early for Ozeki chances at Sekiwake as both Wakatakakage & Hoshoryu are 0-2. To have any chance at promotion Wakatakakage now must win out and probably win the tournament while Hoshoryu needs to go 11-2.
Former Ozeki Tochinoshin, who decided to give it a go at Juryo following demotion to the second tier this time after withdrawing during January because of injury, gets the top-tier return match tomorrow and will face Chiyoshoma. The Georgian is struggling early at 0-2 and his days as an active rikishi may be numbered, as no doubt his long career and persistent left injury issues are weighing him down.

Juryo:
Tokushoryu (J14) beat Terutsuyoshi (Ms1)
Tamashoho (J13) beat Ochihi (J14)
Takakento (J12) beat Tomokaze (J13)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Shimanoumi (J11)
Churanoumi (J10) beat Tochimusashi (J12)
Tsushimanada (J9) beat Kotokuzan (J10)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J9)
Hidenoumi (J8) beat Akua (J7)
Shimazuumi (J7) beat Daiamami (J6)
Roga (J5) beat Gonoyama (J6)
Oshoma (J4) beat Enho (J5)
Ichinojo (J3) beat Chiyomaru (J4)
Shonannoumi (J3) beat Tochinoshin (J2)
Asanoyama (J1) beat Chiyonokuni (J2)
Of note: 1/4 of the way there…just another day at the office for Asanoyama as the former Ozeki easily won again to go to 2-0, now just 6 wins away from a top tier return in May. Terutsuyoshi was back up in Juryo today but no epic salt throw, in fact a more standard one that was very subdued by his standards. But he’s already 0-2 now in Makushita and thus halfway to demotion. Ichinojo is a quick 2-0 as well in his return to action following suspension in January, leaving Tochinoshin alone at 0-2 among the former top-tier guys at the top of Juryo and potentially as the only one who may not be back in Makuuchi in May. Tomorrow Asanoyama has Tohakuryu while Fujiseiun will be the Makushita man up for the day, he’s 1-0 at Makushita 2 and will face Tomokaze.

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

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Asanoyama (J1) beat Mitoryu (M17)
Tsurugisho (M16) beat Chiyoshoma (M16)
Hkuseiho (M15) beat Oho (M15)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Bushozan (M14)
Daishoho (M13) beat Kotoeko (M13)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Kagayaki (M12)
Takanosho (M11) beat Azumaryu (M11)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Aoiyama (M9) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Ura (M8) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Takayasu (M7) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Endo (M6) beat Sadanoumi (M6)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Onosho (M4) beat Meisei (M4)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Mitakeumi (M3)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Ryuden (M2)
Kiribayama (S) beat Abi (M2)
Shodai (M1) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Tamawashi (M1) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Tobizaru (K) beat Takakeisho (O)
WITHDRAWAL: Terunofuji (Y). Continued recovery from double knee surgery in September. Expected back in May barring any more unforeseen setbacks in recovery. He could have competed this time but it was determined he was not at a level to compete for the championship so he was held out.
Of note: This is the 3rd straight tournament in which Tobizaru beat Takakeisho. But don’t panic yet-Takakeisho still went runner-up, runner-up and playoff loss, Champion each time so the Yokozuna hopes remain alive, and it’s only Day 1. Still 14 days to go. But a tough opening doubleheader sees ironman Tamawashi up next.

Juryo:
Ochiai (J14) beat Tsukahara (Ms1)
Tomokaze (J13) beat Tokushoryu (J14)
Tamashoho (J13) beat Takakento (J12)
Shimanoumi (J11) beat Tochimusashi (J12)
Churanoumi (J10) beat Kitanowaka (J11)
Hakuyozan (J9) beat Kotokuzan (J10)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Tsushimanada (J9)
Shimazuumi (J7) beat Hidenoumi (J8)
Akua (J7) beat Daiamami (J6)
Gonoyama (J6) beat Enho (J5)
Oshoma (J4) beat Roga (J5)
Shonannoumi (J3) beat Chiyomaru (J4)
Ichinojo (J3) beat Tochinoshin (J2)
Tohakuryu (J1) beat Chiyonokuni (J2)
Of note: As seen at the top, Asanoyama made an appearance in the top tier today due to the Terunofuji withdrawal and picked up a fairly easy win, putting the former Ozeki 7 more wins away from promotion back to Makuuchi. July top tier champion Ichinojo came out with the opening win against former Ozeki Tochinoshin in his first match after missing the January tournament due to suspension. Asanoyama will be back in Juryo tomorrow and will face Chiyonokuni, and get ready for perhaps March’s only epic salt throw-Terutsuyoshi is the Makushita man coming up to Juryo tomorrow from Ms1 to face Tokushoryu. Terutsuyoshi lost his Makushita opener today to Fujiseiun, who is at Ms2.

Yesterday was the deadline for sumo wrestlers to commit to the March 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament-today was the day those who weren’t committed already would have to withdraw from the tournament. Only one has, unfortunately it confirmed a YouTube report I saw from a somewhat reliable source (who has connections within the Nihon Sumo Kyokai that it was Yokozuna Terunofuji. Still not quite 100% after double knee surgery-he could have competed but it was decided he was not at a level to compete for and. More impirtantly, win the championship. Almost certainly will be back in May. This perhaps removes a big remaining obstacle to Ozeki Takakeisho earning promotion to Yokozuna. But he almost certainly must win the tournament first and there may be growing pressure on the Yokozuna Deliberation Council to promote another Yokozuna of Terunofuji can’t return in May.

UPDATE: As is custom the Friday before a tournament begins, the first 2 days’ matches for the top tier were announced today, and the withdrawal means former Ozeki Asanoyama, at Juryo 1 this time after winning the January Juryo Championship, will be in the top tier for Day 1. As for Takakeisho, his Yokozuna quest begins with Tobizaru on Day 1 and Tamawashi on Day 2.

UPDATE 2: In a new YouTube video from the source about Terunofuji, they spoke to stablemaster Isegahama who all but confirmed Terunofuji will return in May. Official reasons for out in March are osteoarthritis (knees) & diabetes. He had been looking much better deapite minor setbacks but the lower body and initial charge weren’t there. So barring another setback he will return in Tokyo. Also, new chief judge Sadogatake (replacing Isegahama) commented that if Takakeisho wins the tournament he certainly will be in Yokozuna conversations. That would be 2 straight championships if the Ozeki wins Osaka. (Last year’s Osaka tournament was won by Wakatakakage, who was and still is at Sekiwake as he has repeatedly come just short of the minimum wins needed for Ozeki consideration)

It’s that exciting even-month time once again for sumo fans-the Nihon Sumo Kyokai (Japan Sumo Association) has announced the Banzuke (Rankings) for the March 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament. Here is the list for the top 2 tiers:

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Yokozuna-Terunofuji
Ozeki-Takakeisho
Sekiwake-Wakatakakage, Hoshoryu, Kiribayama
Komusubi-Wakamotoharu, Kotonowaka, Daieisho, Tobizaru
Maegashira 1-Tamawashi, Shodai
Maegashira 2-Abi, Ryuden
Maegashira 3-Mitakeumi, Nishikigi
Maegashira 4-Onosho, Meisei
Maegashira 5-Kotoshoho, Midorifuji
Maegashira 6-Endo, Sadanoumi
Maegashira 7-Hokutofuji, Takayasu
Maegashira 8-Ichiyamamoto, Ura
Maegashira 9-Aoiyama, Hiradoumi
Maegashira 10-Migoryu, Nishikifuji
Maegashira 11-Azumaryu, Takanosho
Maegashira 12-Kagayaki, Takarafuji
Maegashira 13-Daishoho, Kotoeko
Maegashira 14-Kinbozan, Bushozan
Maegashira 15-Hokuseiho, Oho
Maegashira 16-Chiyoshoma, Tsurugisho
Maehashira 17-Mitoryu

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Asanoyama, Tohakuryu
Juryo 2-Chiyonokuni, Tochinoshin
Juryo 3-Ichinojo, Shonannoumi
Juryo 4-Chiyomaru, Oshoma
Juryo 5-Roga, Enho
Juryo 6-Gonoyama, Daiamami
Juryo 7-Akua, Shimazuumi
Juryo 8-Hidenoumi, Atamifuji
Juryo 9-Tsushimanada, Hakuyozan
Juryo 10-Kotokuzan, Churanoumi
Juryo 11-Shimanoumi, Kitanowaka
Juryo 12-Tochimusashi, Takakento
Juryo 13-Tamashoho, Tomokaze
Juryo 14-Tokushoryu, Ochiai

Initial thoughts: At the top of the Banzuke are the two big things to watch-if Terunofuji can finally return from double knee surgery this time before the Kyokai starts the potential retirement pressures, and is this the time Takakeisho makes Yokozuna? The only Ozeki again, Takakeisho probably needs to win his second straight tournament to get there despite going runner-up/playoff loser/winner in his last three outings. Hoshoryu is still in Ozeki contention and can maybe get promotion if he can manage at least 11 wins while Wakatakakage, at Sekiwake a 7th straight tournament, has to win the tournament to have any chance. Shodai was demoted out of Sanyaku after a losing record post-Ozeki demotion while Takayasu’s plummeting was due to an early withdrawal in January due to injuries. Things get more interesting near the bottom-Kinbozan will make his top tier debut, the first rikishi from Kazakhstan to do so, while Azumaryu moved up to M11 after clinching his first top-tier winning record in January. Notably missing? Tochinoshin, who withdrew in the first week of January due to injury. The question now is will he compete at Juryo 2 or perhaps retire?
Juryo is going to be something else this tournament. The toss-up after going 14-1 on his status this time did not favor Asanoyama as the former Ozeki winds up at Juryo 1, so he’s 8 wins from a top tier return for May. That darned Daishoho probably denied top tier by handing Asanoyama his only loss. I was surprised Ichinojo plummeted to Juryo 3, a harsh penalty for a January suspension following conduct allegations. The July champion has not had a winning record since. At the bottom, Tamashoho and January Makushita champion Ochiai are Shin-Juryo, making their second-tier debuts with Ochiai doing so in record-matching time as this is only his second career tournament. Former top-tier champion Tokushoryu is Sai-Juryo, returning after a one-tournament demotion to Makushita. And there will be no epic salt throws in March anywhere-Terutsuyoshi was demoted to Makushita 1 so the only way he gets to do his pre-match ritual is if there are any top-tier or Juryo withdrawals. Recent Juryo regular Kaisho was also demoted to Makushita.
In the lower ranks, the Sandanme continues to remain at just 90 rankings instead of 100 while Jonidan slims down to 101 for March. The Jonokuchi will have 16 ranks with 31 entered wrestlers.

You can view the entire Banzuke at this link:
https://sumo.or.jp/EnHonbashoBanzuke/index/

Updates on early withdrawals, potential retirements, etc. will follow as the tournament gets closer.

The March Tournament will be held from 3/12-3/26 at Osaka Prefectural Gym in Osaka.