Tag: sumo

With the May 2023 Tournament beginning late tomorrow, the first 2 days’ matches for the top tier have been announced, along with some final pre-tournament observations:

It’s official-Terunofuji is back. The Yokozuna returns after missing all or part of the last 4 tournaments due to injuries. His opening opponent is Shodai, who returns to Sanyaku at Komusubi for the first time since his demotion from Ozeki. Takakeisho, looking to avoid demotion from Ozeki after withdrawing during March because of injury, opens with Abi while March champion Kiribayama has Midorifuji. Asanoyama, returning to the top tier for the first time since 2021, opens with Chiyoshoma.
On Day 2 we’ll see our first Kinboshi (Gold Star Victory) chance in a while as Terunofuji faces Abi (Maegashira 1). A Kinboshi is whenever a Maegashira beats a Yokozuna in a tournament match (except when due to withdrawal). Other notable Day 2 matches are Takakeisho vs. Kotonowaka and Kiribayama vs. Endo. Asanoyama’s Day 2 for is Taurugisho, now (I believe) the biggest rikishi in the top tier without Ichinojo around.
So far the any only pre-tournament withdrawal at any level is Wakatakakage, which was expected as he is out anywhere from 6 months to 1 year due to injury. He was at Komusubi after withdrawing on Day 15 in March, demoting him from Sekiwake after over a year. Also Ichinojo retired, which is the only one so far.
Finally, the traditional pre-tournament ring purifying ceremony will be held later today. You can watch LIVE FOR FREE on the Nihon Sumo Kyokai Japanese YouTube channel beginning at 6 PM PT/9 PM ET below (the ceremony usually runs around 25 minutes, there is no commentary):

Breaking sumo news: Nikkan Sports reports Ichinojo, the March Juryo Champion and July 2022 Emperor’s Cup winner, has retired effective immediately. He will submit a formal notice to the Japan Sumo Association today (tomorrow US time). A translation of the Nikkan Sports report says the reason is chronic back pain which is not completely treatable. It should be noted that Ichinojo, at well over 450 pounds/206 kilos, is the largest rikishi in the top 2 tiers of sumo. The report also states he will not take a former master’s name and will leave sumo completely.

Ichinojo, real name Takashi Miura, is from Mongolia but is a Japanese citizen. He was ranked at Maegashira 13 for the May tournament and has 3 career championships, one top tier championship (July 2022) and 2 Juryo championships including March. He won 4 special prizes and is believed to lead all current rikishi with 9 kinboshi (Gold Star victories, when a Maegashira defeats a Yokozuna). His highest ranking was Sekiwake, the 3rd highest in sumo. He debuted in January 2014 at Makushita 15 and needed just 2 tournaments to reach Juryo, tied for the second-fastest promotion ever, won the chanpionship in his Juryo debut, and just 5 tournaments to reach the top tier, reaching Sekiwake in just his second top tier tournament after going 13-2 with 2 Special Prizes in his Makuuchi debut. But after his July 2022 triumph he had 2 straight losing records and then was suspended for January for outside-competition misconduct announced as coronavirus protocol violations, returning at Juryo in March and going 14-1 and winning the championship in what will now be his final tournament.

UPDATE: On their official Japanese Twitter, the Nihon Sumo Kyokai has confirmed and announced Ichinojo’s retirement.

It’s that exciting time again-now that the next tournament is less than 2 weeks away, the Nihon Sumo Kyokai (Japan Sumo Association) has announced the updated Banzuke (Official Rankings) for the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo. Below are the rankings for the top 2 tiers:

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Yokozuna: Terunofuji
Ozeki: Takakeisho
Sekiwake: Kiribayama (March Champion), Hoshoryu, Daieisho, Wakamotoharu
Komusubi: Kotonowaka, Wakatakakage, Shodai
Maegashira 1: Abi, Midorifuji
Maegashira 2: Takayasu, Endo
Maegashira 3: Tobizaru, Nishikifuji
Maegashira 4: Ura, Nishikigi
Maegashira 5: Kinbozan, Kotoshoho
Maegashira 6: Meisei, Mitakeumi
Maegashira 7: Hokutofuji, Tamawashi
Maegashira 8: Sadanoumi, Takanosho
Maegashira 9: Onosho, Hiradoumi
Maegashira 10: Ryuden, Takarafuji
Maegashira 11: Hokuseiho, Daishoho
Maegashira 12: Aoiyama, Kotoeko
Maegashira 13: Chiyoshoma, Ichinojo (March Juryo Champion)
Maegashira 14: Asanoyama, Myogiryu
Maegashirra 15: Ichiyamamoto, Tsurugisho
Maegashira 16: Mitoryu, Oho
Maegashira 17: Kagayaki
Initial notes/thoughts: Takakeisho is in kadoban status due to withdrawing in March due to injury, meaning he must finish May with at least 8 wins or he will be demoted from Ozeki, so obviously zero Yokozuna chances this time. All indications are Terunofuji will return from a long injury absence here. Kiribayama can be promoted to Ozeki if he wins the tournament again, along with Hoshoryu having another chance, and we still have a Waka at Sekiwake as Wakamotoharu earned promotion to the 3rd highest rank as younger brother Wakatakakage was demoted due to withdrawing on Day 14 in March with injury and finishing the equivalent of 7-8. Although at Komusubi this time, Wakatakakage will be absent this tournament (could be out up to 1 year, best-case seems to be 6 months) and further demoted. Asanoyama and Ichinojo return to the top tier (Asanoyama after nearly 2 years, Ichinojo after one tournament following a suspension), although both are one or two ranks lower than I expected given Ichinojo went 14-1 and won Juryo and Asanoyama went 13-2. Kinbozan was among the big movers up, his Fighting Spirit Prize and 11 wins in his debut effort sees him jump up to M5 while Mitoryu & Oho just hang on to their top tier spots. Ryuden was the biggest drop as a disastrous 2-13 March dropped him to Maegashira 10. And in a return to his old form after his first winning record in the top tier in his career, Azumaryu unfortunately is demoted back to Juryo.

Juryo:
Juryo 1: Gonoyama, Shonannoumi
Juryo 2: Azumaryu, Tohakuryu
Juryo 3: Bushozan, Enho
Juryo 4: Oshoma, Roga
Juryo 5: Tochinoshin, Akua
Juryo 6: Hakuyozan, Shimazuumi
Juryo 7: Takakento, Churanoumi
Juryo 8: Atamifuji, Ochiai
Juryo 9: Daiamami, Chiyonokuni
Juryo 10: Chiyomaru, Kitanowaka
Juryo 11: Hidenoumi, Tamashoho
Juryo 12: Tomokaze, Chiyosakae
Juryo 13: Fujiseiun, Shimanoumi
Juryo 14: Tokihayate, Tsushimanada
Notes/thoughts: After an impressive Juryo debut that saw him in title contention until an injury halfway through derailed him, Ochiai jumped from Juryo 14 to Juryo 8 for what will be his third career tournament. The top tier in July is probably out of reach but he’s on pace to get there in September and likely be the first to reach or return to Makuuchi since former Yokozuna Hakuho took over Miyagino Beya, unless fan favorite Enho gets back first, and he has a chance at J3. Fujiseiun & Tokihayate are the Shin-Juryo rikishi this time, making their second tier (considered pro) debuts with Fujiseiun needing about 2 1/2 years to get there and Tokihayate making it in just over 4 years. Chiyosakae is Sai-Juryo, returning to the second tier after being demoted to Makushita. As for Tochinoshin, all indications are he is not retiring and will continue competing despite injuries that saw him drop to J5 from J2, but at least one more go for the former Ozeki. With no notable names demoted from the top tier Juryo should be more competitive this time around.

Other notes: Makushita Champion Ryuo jumped up to Makushita 3 for this tournament, while the “human slinky” Kawazoe just missed Juryo and is Makushita 1, so a winning tournament gets him to the second tier along with Shiden, who is also at Makushita 1 and looking to return to Juryo (he had to sit out what would have been his second tier debut). After returning to Juryo, Tokushoryu is demoted back to Makushita, and fell to Makushita 6 this time. Terutsuyoshi was demoted to Makushita 5 after rallying to finish 3-4 after taking another demotion following a 1-4 start, but that still means no epic salt throws for another tournament. He hasn’t had a winning tournament in a year. Toshunryu, the March Sandanme champion, made a huge jump up to Makushita 15. The Sandanme remains at the “new normal” 90 rankings with former top-tier wrestler Kyokutaisei continuing his attempts to climb back to the top after demotion all the way to the bottom-he’s up to Sandanme 3, while Jonidan Champion Suguro moved up to Sandanme 60. The Jonidan will have 106 ranks this time including closing bow-twirler Satonofuji chugging along at Jonidan 85 and Jonokuchi Champion Asahakuryu starting from Jonidan 13, and finally the Jonokuchi will have 23 rankings with a total of 45 wrestlers, the majority neecomers in their debut tournament.

5/3 UPDATE: Nikkan Sports reports Takakeisho has undergone a shikona, or name change. I’m trying to nail down exactly what it is and also am awaiting confirmation from the Kyokai.

According to Japanese news website Hochi News, Wakatakakage has been released from the hospital following successful right knee surgery. He is expected to be out at least 6 months, meaning the to-be-former Sekiwake will miss at least 3 tournaments which should cause him to fall to Juryo if he is able to return by November, but stablemaster Arashio noted Wakatakakage won’t return until he is 100%, so it could be next year and if so, that almost certainly would see the March 2022 champion demoted to Makushita.

Wakatakakage suffered the injury on Day 13 of the March 2023 Tournament in Osaka and missed the last 2 days. He had been 7-6 at the time, meaning he finished 7-7-1 (win-loss-absent), the equivalent of 7-8, which would mean he will be demoted from Sekiwake after over a year and constantly being in Ozeki contention but coning up just short.

4/15 UPDATE: YouTube channel reporter “Chris Sumo”, who is a reliable source with insider connections, now says Wakatakakage will be out at least one year. That means if he can return in March or May 2024, he’ll be looking at demotion to the Sandanme or Jonidan and starting his climb to the top from there. As the middle of the Wakas in sumo (he has two brothers, younger brother Wakamotoharu was at Komusubi in March and finished with a winning record, older brother Wakatakamoto is a Makushita mainstay who has never promoted above the third tier), Wakatakakage would be close to 30 by a potential return so age may work against him.

A new YouTube video from the “Chris Sumo” channel, who is a reliable English-language source with connections in the Japan Sumo Association, reveals some early injury news and notes for the May Tournament, good and bad.

The Good: Yokozuna Terunofuji will be back. He is on the current April tour to get daily reps in and it sounds like his knees are constantly improving and he’a good to go. It was hinted that he may have retired already if he wasn’t the sole yokozuna but there seems to be none of the customary retirement pressures on yokozuna following consistent poor performance or, in this case, extended absences due to injuries.

The Bad: Wakatakakage and Onosho are likely out of the May Tournament. Both withdrew in March due to injuries (Wakatakakage on Day 14, one win short of keeping his Sekiwake ranking, which would now be gone anyway with missing May). Onosho is reportedly out 2 months with knee issues so he has a chance to participate, but an ACL injury will cost Wakatakakage 3 months and definitely his year-plus spot in Sanyaku. Onosho could be demoted to Juryo is he misses May, finishing the equivalent of 4-11 (4-5-6) in March at Maegashira 4 which means demotion. It sounds like Daieisho will definitely return to Sekiwake now in May. Hoshoryu and Kiribayama will both have chances at Ozeki promotion after May but likely just one could make it as they will probably need to win the tournament. If Kiribayama wins again he’ll meet the primary criteria for Ozeki promotion, which is win consecutive tournaments at Sekiwake.

Nikkan Sports reports the spring Sumo Apprentice/New Entrant Exams were held yesterday, with a reported 33 prospective rikishi participating in the hopes of becoming sumo wrestlers (one additional scheduled participant was absent). The exam mainly consists of a comprehensive physical/medical examination and questionnaire (NHK World Japan once briefly detailed the process in its “Sumopedia” series of behind-the-scenes shorts that air alongside the Grand Sumo Highlights program during tournaments). From articles published so far by Nikkan Sports today, at least 3 have passed and will be part of introductory ceremonies during the May Tournament in Tokyo. Two are twin brothers from Miyagi Prefecture and appear to have chosen the shikona (ring names) Tatenoumi and Tatenomori, respectively. Both are 18 and stand about 6 feet tall. The third one is the son of an active horse racing jockey in Japan and began sumo in elementary school. He is 15 and has chosen the shikona Daibasho in reference to bis father and his own upbringing but also to be different from the more common (and currently taken) Daieisho.

The 34 scheduled examinees is among the smallest for spring due to declining birthrates in Japan, but also is expected to have the most participation this year because it coincides with school graduation season. The earliest they could debut in terms of actual tournament matches will be the July Tournament in Nagoya.

As is generally the case a couple days after a tournament finishes, the Nihon Sumo Kyokai (Japan Sumo Association) has begun making announcements regarding early promotions and retirements:

For promotions, the following rikishi will be Shin-Juryo in May, making their career Juryo debuts:
Fujiseiun
Tokihayate
Chiyosakae will be Sai-Juryo, returning to the second tier after previously being demoted below the tier.
Although there was no official confirmation, former Ozeki Asanoyama and Juryo Champion Ichinojo will return to Makuuchi (top tier) in May. For those curious about Terutsuyoshi, no Juryo return as he finished 3-4 at Makushita 1, so that’s another demotion.

As for retirements, 8 were announced yesterday, mostly unranked (4, unranked wrestlers usually have been out long-term due to injuries) with 2 Sandanme and 2 Jonidan retirements. No notable names yet (likely meaning no decision yet from former Ozeki Tochinoshin among others) but one retirement was Kagamio (unranked), who reached the top tier several times during his career with a highest ranking of Maegashira 9. He has been inactive/unranked for some time though-according to Wikipedia, which admittedly is not the most reliable source [although the much more reliable Nikkan Sports was cited as a reference] he has been unranked since early 2021 due to injuries. He debuted in 2003 and reached Makuuchi in 2014, notably taking the second-longest time from debut among foreign born (non-Japanese, he is from Mongolia) wrestlers to reach the top tier, but was up and down multiple times. He did manage one Juryo Championship and lost two times in Juryo playoffs, including to current Yokozuna Terunofuji. He won a Sandanme championship in 2018 but had to continuously withdraw from tournaments starting in summer 2020 due to injuries. In July 2021 he transferred to Isenoumi Beya due to Kagamiyama Beya closing. He dropped off the rankings the next tournament due to continued absences. He won 3 career championships (one Juryo, one Makushita, one Sandanme). He also just became a Japanese citizen.

UPDATE: Nikkan Sports also confirmed that despite earning a promotion with a 4-3 record, Kawazoe will not be promoted to Juryo from Makushita 3. I had a feeling that would be the case partly due to numbers (Juryo is limited to 28 rikishi and all but maybe one of the top four in Makushita were going to be promoted there. That happened). Also seems to indicate Makushita Champion Ryuo, who was at Makushita 26 in March and went 7-0, won’t be a Juryo man either. Normally the Makushita champion moves up about 30 spots on the Banzuke and Ochiai was promoted from Makushita 15 to Juryo 14 after a 7-0 debut and championship. Sounds like Ryuo will maybe be Makushita 1.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the March Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Tsurugisho (M16) beat Kagayaki (M12)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Takanosho (M11)
Azumaryu (M11) beat Daishoho (M13)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Kotoeko (M13)
Bushozan (M14) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Oho (M15)
Mitoryu (M17) beat Aoiyama (M9)
Ura (M8) beat Chiyoshoma (M16)
Hokuseiho (M15) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Nishikigi (M3) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Ryuden (M2) beat Mitakeumi (M3)
Abu (M2) beat Endo (M6)
Shodai (M1) beat Midorifuji (M5)
Meisei (M4) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Tobizaru (K) beat Sadanoumi (M6)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Takayasu (M7) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Kiribayama (S) beat Daieisho (K)
Daieisho & Kiribayama finish tied at 12-3…PLAYOFF!
Playoff: Kiribayama beat Daieisho, but it was very close…Mono-ii! Judges’ conference…trying to determine did they maybe go out at the same time…referee verdict…STANDS! KIRIBAYAMA YUSHO! It’s his first career Emperor’s Cup and the first time in some time-if not ever-a judges’ conference helped determine the champion. Also the 3rd overall championship for Kiribayama in his career.
Special Prizes:
Outstanding Performance (winning record with most wins against Yokozuna and Ozeki): None (only one Ozeki and a mid-tournament withdrawal so it couldn’t be awarded)
Fighting Spirit (Maegashira with best record that best displays fighting spirit, especially among lower ranked rikishi): Kinbozan. Midorifuji lost it today, had he beaten Shodai he would’ve won it too
Technique (winning record with most different winning techniques during tournament): Kiribayama, Daieisho

Final Thoughts: Forget Daieisho or Ryuden (who had the worst record this time at 2-13), the biggest loser undoubtedly is Midorifuji, who was 10-0 and in control with a 2 win lead then lost his last 5, potentially the championship AND a special prize. Kiribayama winning at Sekiwake will definitely raise some rumblings of Ozeki consideration even though he was just promoted (but he has had nothing but winning records for over a year now), the same happened this time last year when Wakatakakage won the championship. Hoshoryu will miss Ozeki by virtue of today’s loss, but even then it was a toss-up as he would’ve been right at 30 wins over the last 3 tournaments, the problem was the pattern-11 wins, 8 wins (this one hurts), 11 wins. I think he’ll need a championship or at least 12 wins in May now. Kiribayama probably needs to duplicate this effort in May to get there, although the Kyokai has pressure on them with Terunofuji’s uncertain health status and Takakeisho going into kadoban status in May due to injury this time-could there be no Yokozuna & Ozeki by July? Barring another unexpected setback Terunofuji should be back in May. Daieisho should return to Sekiwake in May while Wakatakakage will probably be demoted due to missing the last 2 days, leaving him the equivalent of 7-8. Wakamotoharu should be in Sekiwake consideration as well. A surprise Sanyaku return should also be Shodai, who was quite consistent this tournament and finished 10-5. Azumaryu and maybe Bushozan seem to be candidates for demotion to Juryo to make room for the returning Asanoyama & Ichinojo. We’ll have to wait for the Banzuke to find out.

Juryo:
Tsukahara (Ms1) beat Tokushoryu (J14)
Chiyonoumi (Ms5) beat Tochimusashi (J12)
Takakento (J12) beat Shimazuumi (J7)
Daiamami (J6) beat Churanoumi (J10)
Gonoyama (J6) beat Shimanoumi (J11)
Enho (J5) beat Hakuyozan (J9)
Roga (J5) beat Tomokaze (J13)
Oshoma (J4) beat Kotokuzan (J10)
Chiyomaru (J4) beat Tamashoho (J13)
Shonannoumi (J3) beat Akua (J7)
Ichinojo (J3) beat Tsushimanada (J9). ICHINOJO JURYO YUSHO! This meant Asanoyama had no chance of forcing a playoff regardless of his outcome.
Tochinoshin (J2) beat Hidenoumi (J8)
Chiyonokuni (J2) beat Kitanowaka (J11)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Tohakuryu (J1)
Asanoyama (J1) beat Ochiai (J14)
CHAMPION: Ichinojo (14-1). 2nd Juryo championship and 3rd overall
Final Thoughts: In the end, Ichinojo beating Asanoyama (13-2) earlier in the tournament was the difference and it clinched the championship for the massive Mongolian following a suspension for the January tournament. Both are now headed back to the top tier in May…we’ll see how the rankings shake out but I see them both landing at Maegashira 10. Despite a loss to the former Ozeki and finishing 2-4, partly due to a potential elbow injury, it was a great Juryo debut for Ochiai, one of the first Juryo debuts under the tutelage of former Yokozuna Hakuho (now stablemaster Miyagino) as he finishes 10-5 in just his second career tournament. He should be in championship contention again in May now that he has a full 15-day experience in the books. Tohakuryu will miss out on a top tier debut after taking his 8th loss today, while Shonannoumi has a chance at promotion following 9 wins at J3 but I think the numbers game (and 4-5 finish) works against him and he’ll be at J1 next time. On the lower end, I think this may be the end of the road for Tokushoryu (a disappointing 4-11 in his return to Juryo after one tournament in Makushita, he has one career Emperor’s Cup) and Tochinoshin (a second week rally got him to 5-10 but time and injuries have caught up to the former Ozeki). Should Tochinoshin return in May he’ll still be in Juryo but I think the safe money is on retirement. Also departing Juryo should be former champion Tochimusashi (4-11 at J12) and possibly Shimanoumi (5-10 at J11). But we should be welcoming back Chiyosakae (5-2 at Makushita 2) and possibly Shiden (6-1 at Makushita 6, his prior Juryo debut didn’t happen because he was absent) among perhaps others. Makushita Champion Ryuo will have a chance at Shin-Juryo, but it’s questionable because he was Makushita 26 even though the champion normally moves up about 30 spots in the rankings. I think he’ll be Ms1, again due to the numbers game.

March Champions:
Makuuchi: Kiribayama (1st championship, 3rd overall)
Juryo: Ichinojo (2nd championship, 3rd overall)
Makushita: Ryuo (1st championship)
Sandanme: Toshunryu (1st championship). Won playoff
Jonidan: Suguro (1st championship)
Jonokuchi: Asahakuryu (1st championship). Debut tournament

The next tournament will be held from May 14-28 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Tickets will go on sale on April 8. The Banzuke will be announced on May 1.

Post-tournament news/updates to follow over the next few day, but then until May 1…Sayonara!

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14 of the March 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashita, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiawke, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi )Top Tier):
Shonannoumi (J3) beat Mitoryu (M17)
Oho (M15) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Tsurugisho (M16)
Aoiyama (M9) beat Bushozan (M14)
Hokuseiho (M15) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Ura (M8) beat Azumaryu (M11)
Chiyoshoma (M16) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Takayasu (M7) beat Kotoeko (M13)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Kagayaki (M9)
Takanosho (M11) beat MItakeumi (M3)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Abi (M2)
NIshikigi (M3) beat Ryuden (M2)
Sadanoumi (M6) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Shodai (M1) beat Daishoho (M13)
Tobizaru (K) beat Mesei (M4)
Daieisho (K) beat Midorifuji (M5)
Endo (M6) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Kiribayama (S) beat Wakatakakage (S) by default/withdrawal
Hoshoryu (S) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Leader: Daieisho (12-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Wakatakakage (S). Right leg injury. Out the Final Day, meaning there is a real chance he will be demoted after over a year at Sekiwake as his final record will be the equivalent of 7-8 (7-7-1).
Of note: Another Isegahama collapse officially complete. It’s over for Midorifuji after his 4th straight loss takes him from 10-0 and a 2 win lead to 10-4 and now out of it. It’s down to Daieisho vs. Kiribayama tomorrow. If Daieisho wins, he is the champion for the second time. If Kiribayama wins, there will be a playoff and immediate rematch for the championship. A Kiribayama win in his Sekiwake debut would jump-start his Ozeki hopes and could get him there after May if he can duplicate this performance. Hoshoryu still has a chance at Ozeki contention if he can win his final match (Takayasu) as that would be 30 wins over the last 3 tournaments. Today’s win also gives Kinbozan a chance at a Special Prize, likely Fighting Spirit, and a win over Takanosho tomorrow should lock it up as he would finish 11-4 with that win.

Juryo:
Shimanoumi (J11) beat Kawazoe (Ms3)
Ochiai (J14) beat Kotokuzan (J10)
Tamashoho (J13) beat Tsushimanada (J9)
Tomokaze (J13) beat Atamifuji (J8)
Akua (J7) beat Tochimusashi (J12)
Gonoyama (J6) beat Takakento (J12)
Roga (J5) beat Hidenoumi (J8)
Daiamami (J6) beat Chiyomaru (J4)
Oshoma (J4) beat Kitanowaka (J11)
Ichinojo (J3) beat Enho (J5)
Churanoumi (J5) beat Chiyonokuni (J2)
Tochinoshin (J2) beat Tokushoryu (J14)
Asanoyama (J1) beat Shimazuumi (J7)
Hakuyozan (J9) beat Tohakuryu (J1)
Leader: Ichinojo (13-1)
Of note: It all depends on Ichinojo. If he wins his match tomorrow, or if he loses but Asanoyama also loses, Ichinojo is the champion. If Ichinojo loses and Asanoyama wins, playoff rematch. On paper tomorrow, very heavy advantage Ichinojo because he draws Tsushimanada (4-10). Asanoyama will know his fate before the final match and he has the much tougher draw in Ochiai (10-4), who seems to have recovered from an earlier elbow injury that led to a 3-match losing streak after an 8-1 start and is finishing strong with 2 straight wins. And Kawazoe, the Makushita Human Slinky, was just that again in a very tough loss to Shimanoumi that will probably keep him in Makushita in May despite a promotion already clinched (he’ll finish 4-3 but from Ms3 that probably only gets him so Ms1). He certainly gained a lot more fans in replicating his career debut performance against Asanoyama. The way he can bend so far back before going down is just unhuman! He deserved the loud cheers and applause from the fans.
Nobody in the top tier tomorrow due to another withdrawal but as is tradition a couple of Makushita men near the top rankings get to come up for bouts tomorrow-Tsukahara (Ms1 but already demoted at 2-5) and Chiyonoumi (Ms5 and going for promotion at 3-3).

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage tomorrow FOR FREE, including the final matches, awards ceremony and champion’s interview, beginning tomorow at 12:30 AM PT/3:30 AM ET.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13 of the March 2023 Grand Sumo Tourbament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Ichinojo (J3) beat Bushozan (M14)
Mitoryu (M17) beat Takanosho (M11)
Azumaryu (M11) beat Oho (M15)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Hokuseiho (M15)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Tsurugisho (M16) beat Aoiyama (M9)
Ura (M8) beat Daishoho (M13)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Takayasu (M7) beat Chiyoshoma (M16)
Nishikigi (M3) beat Kagayaki (M12)
Sadanoumi (M6) beat Mitakeumi (M3)
Shodai (M1) beat Ryuden (M2)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Abi (M2) beat Tobizaru (K)
Daieisho (K) beat Meisei (M2)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Kiribayama (S) beat Endo (M6)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Midorifuji (M5)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Leader: Daieisho (11-2)
Of note: Another Isegahama collapse complete. A few tournaments ago it was Hokutofuji unbeaten and in control going into the final stretch before he collapsed over the final 5 days. Now it’s Midorifuji who has now lost 3 straight and the lead to Daieisho. And history indicated he was the heavy favorite against Hoshoryu, having won 5 of their 6 prior meetings. Of all with a chance still, Daieisho is the only former champion as he is perhaps 2 days away from his second Emperor’s Cup and almost certainly a return to Sekiwake. Snayaku will be roadblocked again outside of Komusubi because all the 4th highest ranked wrestlers except To izaru have winning records but are looking at not being promoted just because of numbers unless Hoshoru is promoted to Ozeki-slim chances but still possible with an 11-4 finish. Ichinojo keeps the Juryo lead with his win as it’s now down to him and Asanoyama before both return to the top tier in May.
Key match tomorrow: Daieisho-Midorifuji. If Daieisho wins, then Kiribayama loses (Wakatakakage) and Wakamotoharu loses (Hosboryu), Daieisho is the champion. If Midorifuji wins, that potentially all but guarantees a playoff on the Final Day.

Juryo:
Tokihayate (Ms3) beat Tochimusashi (J12)
Tamashoho (J14) beat Kotokuzan (J10)
Hakuyozan (J9) beat Tomokaze (J13)
Ochiai (J14) beat Tsushimanada (J9)
Takakento (J13) beat Atamifuji (J8)
Daiamami (J6) beat Kitanowaka (J11)
Roga (J5) beat Shimanoumi (J11)
Churanoumi (J1) beat Oshoma (J4)
Chiyomaru (J4) beat Tokushoryu (J14)
Shonannoumi (J3) beat Hidenoumi (J8)
Shinazuumi (J7) beat Tochinoshin (J2)
Enho (J5) beat Chiyonokuni (J2)
Tohakuryu (J1) beat Gonoyama (J6)
Asanoyama (J1) beat Akua (J7)
Leader: Ichinojo (12-1)
Of note: It’s down to two. If Ichinojo wins tomorrow (Enho) and Asanoyama loses tomorrow (Shimazuumi), Ichinojo is the champion. One of them takes a second tier title with them back to the top tier in May.

Makushita:
Ryuo (Ms26) beat Kaizen (Ms50). RYUO MAKUSHITA YUSHO! It’s his first championship at any level in his 11-year career. This will vault him right to the top of Makushita as usually the champion moves up 30 spots in the rankings. Could that mean Shin Juryo? We’ll see but I’m leaning no. Kaizen was looking for his second straight championship after winning the Sandanme in January.

Sandanme:
Kiyonoumi (Sd80) beat Amakaze (Sd56)
Toshunryu (Sd25) beat Shosei (Sd35). PLAYOFF! That means with two at 7-0, Kiyonoumi vs. Toshunryu will happen as a playoff to determine the champion. AND it’s stablemate vs. stablemate! Both are from Tamanoi Beya and this is the only situation in which stablemates face each other in a tournament.

Jonidan:
Suguro (Jd60) beat Mishima (Jd40). SUGURO JONIDAN YUSHO! It’s his first championship and comes after he missed the last 3 tournaments, which dropped him from Makushita to Honidan. He should be back in the Sandanme in May.
Asahakuryu (Jk11) beat Takashoki (Jd87). ASAHAKURYU JONOKUCHI YUSHO! He wins the title in his Debut tournament.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE Day 14 top-tier coverage beginning tomorrow at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET. Tune in FOR FREE to see if Daieisho will win the Emperor’s Cup for the second time or if it goes to the Final Day!

UPDATE: Breaking…Sanyaju shakeup coming because Wakatakakage has WITHDRAWN going into Day 14. If he misses the Final Day that means he will be demoted from Sekiwake after over a year. More as it becomes available/. That means Kiribayama gets the free win and goes to 11-3.