Tag: sumo

Her are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the March 23 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Oho (M15) beat Asanoyama (J1)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Mitoryu (M17)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Hokuseiho (M15)
Azumaryu (M11) beat Tsurugisho (M16)
Takanosho (M11) beat Chiyoshoma (M16)
Myogiryu (M10) beat Kotoeko (M13)
Aoiyama (M9) beat Kagayaki (M12)
Daishoho (M13) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Ichiyamamoto (M8) beat Bushozan (M14)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Takayasu (M7)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Ura (M8)
Abi (M2) beat MitakeumI (M3)
Sadanoumi (M6) beat Ryuden (M2)
Nishikigi (M3) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Daieisho (K) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Meisei (M4)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Endo (M6)
Shodai (M1) beat Tobizaru (K)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Midorifuji (M5)
Kiribayama (S) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Leader: Daieisho, Midorifuji (10-2)
Of note: UPSET ALERT! For the first time since his comeback last year, Asanoyama will finish a tournament with more than one loss as Oho pulled off the big upset and possibly handed the Juryo championship to Ichinojo. And Midorifuji may be letting the Emperor’s Cup slip away, he’s now lost 2 in a row since his 10-2 start and his 2 win lead is gone. Daieisho has now pulled even and may now be the favorite to win his second top tier title, but most of Sanyaku is now one back with Kiribayama, Kotonowaka & Wakamotoharu all at 9-3. Hoshoryu still has a very outside shot at Ozeki candidacy despite the loss today, but he has to win his last 3 matches. And congratulations to Kinbozan for clinching a promotion in his top-tier debut. Winning out or at least 2 more wins could get him a Special Prize.
Key matches tomorrow: Daieisho-Meisei, Midorifuji-Hoshoryu. On paper this heavily favors Daieisho but we’ll see what happens. Ichinojo will be the Juryo man tomorrow, up for the second time this tournament. He’ll get Bushozan.

Juryo:
Fujiseiun (Ms2) beat Tamashoho (J13)
Takakento (J12) beat Tochimusashi (J12)
Tomokaze (J13) beat Shimanoumi (J11)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Tokushoryu (J14)
Shimazuumi (J7) beat Kitanowaka (J11)
Gonoyama (J6) beat Ochiai (J14)
Roga (J5) beat Kotokuzan (J10)
Chiyomaru (J4) beat Churanoumi (J10)
Oshoma (J4) beat Tsushimanada (J9)
Ichinojo (J3) beat Hakuyozan (J9)
Enho (J5) beat Shonannoumi (J3)
Hidenoumi (J8) beat Chiyonokuni (J2)
Akua (J7) beat Tochinoshin (J2)
Tohakuryu (J1) beat Daiamami (J6)
Leader: Ichinojo (11-1)
Of note: Thanks to Asanoyama’s surprise top-tier loss, it’s now Ichinojo’s championship to lose. He’ll be back in the top tier tomorrow ahead of a now guaranteed return in May. As the Makushita man up today, Fujiseiun likely finished his tournament with a promotion-clinching win so he has a chance to reach Juryo in May for the first time. On the flip side, it looks like Ochiai has run out of gas as today was his 3rd straight loss since an 8-1 start. Gonoyama beating the newcomer gives the former Makushita champion an outside chance at the championship but he’s 2 back of Ichinojo with 3 days left. And Tochimusashi’s last-gasp bid to avoid demotion finally ended today with his 8th loss. He now needs to win out to stay in Juryo, but getting to 6 wins may be enough. But that’s 3 straight demotions since his Juryo debut championship last summer. Tokihayate will be the Makushita man tomorrow going for a promotion in his likely finale, but 4-3 at Makushita 3 probably isn’t enough to reach Juryo in May. Asanoyama draws Akua (7-5) tomorrow, who is always unpredictable outside of his epic salt-fist prematch pose for the camera.

Lower tier notes:
The Makushita Championship match is tomorrow (later today Japan time) on Day 13 with Ryuo vs. Kaizen for 7-0 and the title.
There is a chance the Sandanme will be decided as all 3 6-0 wrestlers are in action with two facing each other, but if Kiyonoumi-who is first up-wins his match that guarantees a playoff against the Shosei-Toshunryu winner. And if it’s Toshunryu vs. Kiyonoumi that’s a playoff between stablemates as both are from Tamanoi Beya. If Kiyonoumi loses, the Shosei-Toshunryu winner is the champion.
The Jonidan had 3 unbeaten coming in but as of this post Takashoki, who was first up, lost so that means the upcoming Suguro-Mishima match is for the championship.
In the Jonokuchi, because Asahakuryu was in the Jonidan today and just beat Takashoki, he is the champion as the only one who will finish 7-0. So…ASAHAKURYU JONOKUCHI YUSHO! The first official March 2023 Champion. He’ll be back Sunday for the closing awards ceremony.

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

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Oshoma (J4) beat Tsurugisho (M16)
Daishoho (M13) beat Kinbozan (M14)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Takanosho (M11)
Mitoryu (M17) beat Azumaryu (M11)
Chiyoshoma (M16) beat Nishikifuji (M10)
Hokuseiho (M15) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Bushozan (M14)
Oho (M15) beat Aoiyama (M9)
Kagayaki (M12) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Sadanoumi (M6)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Ryuden (M2)
Abi (M2) beat NIshikigi (M3)
Ura (M8) beat Shodai (M1)
Tamawashi (M1) beat MitakeumI (M3)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Midorifuji (M5)
Daieisho (K) beat Takayasu (M7)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Tobizaru (K)
Kiribayama (S) beat Meisei (M4)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Endo (M6)
Leader: Midorifuji (10-1)
Of note: No 15-0. Midorifuji’s unbeaten run ended today against Wakamotoharu and while he still has the lead, the question of course is how will he respond tomorrow? This allowed Daieisho to get back to one win back while a crowded field remains 2 back. Midorifuji has to avoid the sweep by the Wakas now because he gets Wakatakakage tomorrow, who is fighting to stay at Sekiwake and is now 5-6 after starting 0-5. Daieisho gets Hokutofuji and a bunch of 8-3 key matches are headlined by the Sekiwake Showdown in the final bout, and it’s another Mongolian showdown between Hoshoryu, still with a chance at Ozeki contention, and Kiribayama, who will remain at Sekiwake in May.
Asanoyama returns to the top tier tomorrow for a second time as the Juryo man of the day and will face Oho in the first match.

Juryo:
Tomokaze (J13) beat Chiyonokuni (Ms5)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J9)
Tsushimanada (J9) beat Tokushoryu (J14)
Tamashoho (J13) beat Atamifuji (J8)
Kotokuzan (J10) beat Hidenoumi (J8)
Shimanoumi (J11) beat Akua (J7)
Takakento (J12) beat Enho (J5)
TochimusashI (J12) beat Chiyomaru (J4)
Churanoumi (J10) beat Shonannoumi (J3)
Ichinojo (J3) beat Ochiai (J14)
Daiamami (J5) beat Tochinoshin (J2)
Tohakuryu (J1) beat Roga (J5)
Asanoyama (J1) beat Gonoyama (J6)
Leader: Asanoyama, Ichinojo (10-1)
Of note: It’s all but down to the top tier mainstays, both likely headed back there in May (Asanoyama definitely will, at this point Ichinojo probably will too). Both are now 2 wins clear and seemed headed for a playoff rematch for the championship. Only Ochiai and Kitanowaka seem to still have a chance to catch them although Gonoyama remains 2 back, but Ochiai and Gonoyama both lost today and Ochiai may be running out of steam and perhaps affected by that left elbow issue. And Ochiai faces Gonoyama tomorrow so the loser is probably out of it. Kitanowaka gets Shimazuumi (6-5) while Ichinojo gets Hakuyozan (7-4). Asanoyama is in the top tier. Tochinoshin seemed okay and competed today after another injury scare yesterday but took a demotion-sealing loss. No top tier return for the former Ozeki.

Lower tier notes: The Makushita Final is set, it’ll be Ryuo vs. Kaizen. Neither will be promoted to Juryo but Ryou may go up to Makushita 1 (he’s at 26) while Kaizen would probably jump to Makushita 20 as he’s at 50). The Sandanme may need a playoff with 3 currently at 6-0 and two are from Tamanoi Beya so an interesting potential scenario there. The Jonidan also has 3 currently at 6-0 and perhaps is playoff-bound too while Asahakuryu only needs to win his last match to be Jonokuchi Champion.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the March 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
MItoryu (M17) beat Tohakuryu (J1)
Kagayaki (M12) beat Oho (M15)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Bushozan (M14)
Tsurugisho (M16) beat Takanosho (M11)
Chiyoshoma (M16) beat Myogiryu (M10)
Daishoho (M13) beat NIshikifuji (M10)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Kotoeko (M13)
Azumaryu (M11) beat Ichiyamamoto (M8)
Hokuseiho (M15) beat Ura (M8)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Aoiyama (M9)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Takayasu (M7)
Sadanoumi (M6) beat NIshikigi (M3)
Tamawashi (M1) beat Ryuden (M2)
Endo (M6) beat Shodai (M1)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Meisei (M4)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Tobizaru (K)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Abi (M2)
Kiribayama (S) beat Mitakeumi (M3)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Daieisho (K)
Kotoshoho (M5) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Leader: Midorifuji (10-0)
Of note: It may now be Midorifuji’s championship to lose. Thanks to his win and Hoshoryu, Midorifuji is now 2 wins ahead of the pack with 5 days left. Anything can happen but realistically it seems like only Daieisho and Kotonowaka still have a chance to stop him as well as Endo who is also 8-2.
Key match tomorrow: Midorifuji-Wakamotoharu. If Midorifuji wins and he gets a lot of help, he can all but clinch the championship with potentially a 3-win lead & only 4 days left. Also depends on how Endo (Hoshoryu), Daieisho (Takayasu) and Kotonowaka (Hokutofuji) fare. Also, thanks to Azumaryu getting his first win at last, nobody will go winless this tournament.

Juryo:
Tokushoryu (J14) beat Kaisho (Ms4)
Churanoumi (J10) beat Tamashoho (J13)
Shimanoumi (J11) beat Tsushimanada (J9)
Hukyozan (J9) beat Takakento (J12)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Hidenoumi (J8)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Ochiai (J14)
Shimazuumi (J7) beat Tomokaze (J13)
Tochimusashi (J12) beat Daiamami (J6)
Kotokuzan (J10) beat Chiyomaru (J4)
Ichinojo (J3) beat Roga (J5)
Gonoyama (J6) beat Shonannoumi (J3)
Oshoma (J4) beat Tochinoshin (J2)
Asanoyama (J1) beat Enho (J5)
Leader: Asanoyama, Ichinojo (9-1)
Of note: Is this the end for Tochinoshin? He appeared to suffer another injury, maybe a left shoulder issue, as he was clutching his upper chest area during his match and took a loss by voluntary rear step out, a non-winning technique. So far he does not appear to have withdrawn on Day 11 but we’ll wait and see. He’ll be demoted again unless he can win out. Ochiai saw his 7-match winning streak snapped today-he’s not out of the championship race yet but he will e tomorrow if he loses to Ichinojo. And Tochimusashi has suddenly decided to try and fight off demotion-that’s 3 straight wins now after an 0-7 start.
Key matches tomorrow: Asanoyama-Gonoyama, Ichinojo-Ochiai. Winners have the yusho advantage. If Ichinojo wins this or one more match the rest of the way, he’ll probably return to the top tier in May.

In the lower tiers, the Makushita is down to the final 4 at 5-0 and both stablemates Ryuo & Kayo remain in it along with Shiden & Kaizen. Kaizen faces Kayo tomorrow and Shiden has Ryuo. If both Ryuo & Kayo win, they’ll have to face each other for the championship. That would guarantee Nishonoseki Beya the title but maybe it’s not the most ideal scenario.
The Sandanme has 5 left at 5-0 which could mean a playoff would be required to determine the champion.
The Jonidan could have the same scenario at 6 are 5-0 so there could be 2 or more unbeatens left at the end.
In the Jonokuchi, two remained at 5-0 but in early Day 12 matches Asahakuryu beat Wakaikari in their match so Asahakuryu will be the champion if he wins his final match.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the March 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Chiyoshoma (M16) beat Hokuseiho (M15)
Bushozan (M14) beat Tsurugisho (M16)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Oho (M15)
Mitoryu (M14) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Takanosho (M11) beat Kagayaki (M12)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Kinbozan (M14)
Myogiryu (M10) beat Daishoho (M13)
Takayasu (M7) beat Aoiyama (M9)
Sadanoumi (M6) beat Azumaryu (M11)
Endo (M6) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Ura (M8)
Ichiyamamoto (M8) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Onosho (M4) by default/withdrawal
Mitakeumi (M3) beat Nishikigi (M3)
Daieisho (K) beat Tamawashi (M1)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Shodai (M1)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Abi (M2)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Tobizaru (K)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Meisei (M4)
Kiribayama (S) beat Ryuden (M2)
WITHDRAWAL: Onosho (M4). Right knee. Status unknown but with 5 days left he’s probably done for the tournament and will finish the equivalent of 4-11 if that’s the case and will be demoted in May. He’ll stay in the top tier though.
Leader: Midorifuji (9-0)
Of note: The incredible run continues for Midorifuji as he pulled out another one today against the always-tricky Ura. He’ll have to stay on his toes tomorrow as he’ll go for 10-0 against Tobizaru, who had the rare case of a HENKA! backfiring as he tried it on Hosboryu, but the zsekiwake hit the brakes in time and came back to dispose of the flying monkey for another big win. Daieisho also clinched his winning record today to stay one back of Midorifuji, and he’ll try to keep pace tomorrow against Hoshoryu. And it could be another second half miracle for Wakatakakage as he tries to save his Sekiwake rank following another disastrous 0-5 start…he’s now won 4 straight and a now-demoted Kotoshoho tomorrow offers a chance to get back to .500. Ryuden will see a long streak (over a year) of winning tournaments end as he’ll be demoted after an 8th loss.
We’ll see the Juryo man cycle resume tomorrow because of Onosho’s withdrawal as Tohakuryu will be up from J1 to face Mitoryu, both 4-5. Mitoryu is also on a winning streak after a poor start.

Juryo:
Takakento (J12) beat Churanoumi (J10)
Kotokuzan (J10) beat Tomokaze (J13)
Ochiai (J14) beat Hakuyozan (J9)
Tochimusashi (J12) beat Tsushimanada (J9)
Tamashoho (J13) beat Hidenoumi (J8)
Shimazuumi (J7) beat Tokushoryu (J14)
Akua (J7) beat Kitanowaka (J11)
Daiamami (J6) beat Shimanoumi (J11)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Gonoyama (J6)
Ichinojo (J3) beat Oshoma (J4)
Chiyomaru (J4) beat Tochinoshin (J2)
Shonannoumi (J3) beat Chiyonokuni (J2)
Enho (J5) beat Tohakuryu (J1)
Asanoyama (J1) beat Roga (J5)
Leader: Asanoyana, Ichinojo, Ochiai (8-1)
Of note: He’ll Be Back! Asanoyama has completed the climb back to the top tier as with his 8th win today the former Ozeki has clinched promotion in May. Now there’s still the matter of trying to win his 3rd tournament championship in the 5 tournaments since his return from suspension, and every win now moves him further up the Makuuchi rankings-to-be. Ichinojo now has a promotion as well but probably needs at least one more win, ideally two more, to also return to the top tier. And congrats to Ochiai for a promotion in his Juryo debut (and only his second career tournament) and he’s still in the yusbo race! He hasn’t really shown any ill effects from the elbow injury a couple days ago but the important thing now is he’s got the winning record. Tochimusashi staved off demotion for another day with now 2 straight wins, but needs more to stay in Juryo-I think he’ll need 4 more to avoid Makushita.
With a top tier withdrawal today we’ll see resumption of a Makushita man coming up each day to Juryo tomorrow, this time it’ll be Kaisho, who was demoted to Makushita this tournament. He’s 2-3 meaning he’ll be demoted again of he loses to Tokushoryu tomorrow, who is also in danger of demotion back to Makushita at 3-6.
Key matches tomorrow: Ochiai-Atamifuji, Ichinojo-Roga, Asanoyama-Enho.

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?