Tag: sumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14-the penultimate day-of the November 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwaka, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Okinoumi (M13) beat Chiyoshoma (M10)
Takanosho (M9) beat Azumaryu (M14)
Kotoshoho (M11) beat Myogiryu (M7(
Nishilkigi (M6) beat Ichiyamamoto (M14)
Hiradoumi (M14) beat Nishikifuji (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Kotoeko (M12)
Sadanoumi (M4) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Ura (M3) beat Terutsuyoshi (M16)
Midorifuji (M3) beat Endo (M7)
Ichinojo (M2) beat Atamifuji (M15)
Takayasu (M1) beat Kagayaki (M15)
Meisei (M2) beat Kotonowaka (M1)
Tamawashi (K) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Ryuden (M8) beat Daieisho (K)
Tobizaru (K) beat Aoiyama (M10)
Onosho (M11) beat Kiribayama (K)
Wakatakakagbe (S) beat Hokutofuji (M5)
Abi (M9) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Oho (M13)
Shodai (O) beat Mitakeumi (S)
Leader; Takayasu (12-2)
Key Final Day Matches: Takayasu-Abi, Takakeisho-Wakatakakage. The championship race is simple-if Takayasu beats Abi, Takayasu is the champion for the first time in his career. If Abi wins, there will be a rematch at the end of the day for the championship. But if Abi wins and Takakeisho also wins, there would be a 3-way playoff and the Ozeki could have increased chances of Yokozuna consideration by taking the title, at worst he can get there by winning in January.
Of note: In the midst of his worst career performance, Terutsuyoshi could join a dubious group of rikishi who went 0-15 in the top tier if he loses tomorrow. It would be only the 5th time it’s ever happened and odds are very heavily against Terutsuyoshi, because his final opponent is Ichinojo, who has nearly 200 pounds on Terutsuyoshi.

Juryo:
Oshoma (J12) beat Enho (J11)
Chiyosakae (J10) beat Kotokuzan (J8)
Gonoyama (J14) beat Kinbozan (J7)
Daiamami (J9) beat Hokuseiho (J6)
Akua (J5) beat Tokushoryu (J12)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Chiyonokuni (J5)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Hidenoumi (J4)
Shimazuumi (J13) beat Yutakayama (J4)
Tsurugisho (J3) beat Kaisho (J10)
Mitoryu (J3) beat Roga (J13)
Tochimusashi (J7) beat Churanoumi (J2)
Takakento (J11) beat Bushozan (J2)
Kitanowaka (J6) beat Tohakuryu (J1)
Chiyomaru (J1) beat Daishoho (J9)
Leader: Oshoma (11-3)
Key Final Day Matches: Oshoma-Daiamami, Hokuseiho-Kotokuzan, Akua-Gonoyama, Tsurugisho-Roga. If Oshoma wins, he is the Juryo champion. If Daiamami wins, there is the potential for a 5-way playoff if the other 3 10-4 rikishi win. Regardless of how many do win, there will be a playoff if Daiamami wins.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13 of the November 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Okinuomi (M13) beat Onosho (M11)
Chiyoshoma (M10) beat Terutsuyoshi (M16)
Aoiyama (M10) beat Atamifuji (M15)
Abi (M9) beat Kagayaki (M15)
Tochinoshin (M8) beat Ichiyamamoto (M14)
Myogiryu (M7) beat Kotoeko (M12)
Hiradoumi (M16) beat Endo (M7)
Ryuden (M6) beat Azumaryu (M14)
Nishikigi (M6) beat Kotoshoho (M11)
Ura (M3) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Takanoso (M9) beat Ichinojo (M2)
Kotonowaka (M1) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Takayasu (M1) beat Oho (M13)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Daieisho (S)
Sadanoumi (M4) beat Tobizaru (K)
Meisei (M2) beat Kiribayama (K)
Mitakeumi (S) beat Hokutofuji (M5)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Nishikifuji (M5)
Tamawashi (K) beat Shodai (O). DEMOTION!
Takakeisho (O) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Leader: Takayasu (11-2)
You read above right-that’s loss #8 meaning Shodai will be demoted from Ozeki after the tournament. He will be in the same situation as Mitakeumi, meaning he gets one chance at promotion back to Ozeki if he gets at least 10 wins in January. There will be only one Ozeki-Takakeisho, who got his 10th win today-in January.
Key matches tomorrow: Takayasu-Kagayaki, Abi-Hoshoryu, Takakeisho-Oho. Because all except Kagayaki are 10-3 and one behind him, Takayasu cannot clinch the championship tomorrow, but a win means worst-case is a loss Sunday would force a tiebreaker match for the championship. There could possibly be a 3-way tie or more for the title.

Juryo:
Shonannoumi (Ms1) beat Gonoyama (J14)
Shimazuumi (J13) beat Shiden (Ms1)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Takakento (J11)
Kinbozan (J7) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Hokuseiho (J6) beat Daishoho (J9)
Daiamami (J9) beat Chiyonokuni (J5)
Roga (J13) beat Akua (J5)
Yutakayama (J4) beat Tokushoryu (J12)
Hidenoumi (J4) beat Kaisho (J10)
Enho (J11) beat Mitoryu (J3)
Oshoma (J12) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Bushozan (J2)
Chiyosakae (J10) beat Churanoumi (J2)
Chiyomaru (J1) beat Kotokuzan (J8)
Tohakuryu (J1) beat Tochimusashi (J7)
Leader: Oshoma, Hokuseiho (10-3)
Key matches tomorrow: Enho-Oshoma, Hokuseiho-Daiamami. If Oshoma & Hokuseiho both win. they are potentially setting up a rematch playoff for the championship (they met on Day 9, Hokuseiho won). If just one wins, the victor only needs to win their final match. If both lose, there is potential for a 6-YES, SIX!-way tie and quite the potential playoff scenario on the final day as as many as 6 could be 10-4.

Asanoyama Watch: Coming back from his first loss, the former Ozeki easily beat Kamito in his final Makushita match to finish 6-1 for the second straight tournament. Asanoyama is now 19-2 with one championship since his return from a one-year suspension. Based on everything at higher ranks going on, the odds of going from Makushita 4 to a return to Juryo in January look good as only Shonannoumi and maybe Tamashoho will move up from Makushita to Juryo and there will be some demotions from Juryo (so of the 7 at or above his rank in Makushita only one or two will move up). His tournament is now complete. Tamashoho beat Mineyaiba today to win the Makushita Championship.
In the lower ranks, Asashiyu, who was demoted from Makushita after missing the last 4 tournaments following two appearance after demotion from Juryo, won the Jonidan championship and will move back to to the Sandanme as he tries to climb back up the ranks. As noted yesterday, Takerufuji won the Jonokuchi championship in his debut tournament, so that’s at least one title for Istgahama Beya, the home of Yokozuna Terunofuji. The Sandanme championship, however, will go to a playoff as Hitoshi & Kazuto are both 7-0. Hitoshi will go for his 3rd career championship (2 Jonidan Championships) while Kazuto goes for his first in just his 3rd career tournament (he went 6-1 in each of his first two tournaments).

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top-tier coverage tomorrow at 3:10 AM ET/12:10 AM PT and the final 90 minutes of the tournament Sunday at 2:30 AM ET/Saturday at 11:30 PM PT. I will try to do LIVE results for the final day’s matches.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the November 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Onosho (M11) beat Kotoshoho (M11)
Aoiyama (M10) beat Terutsuyoshi (M16)
Chiyoshoma (M10) beat Atamifuji (M15)
Okinoumi (M13) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Myogiryu (M7)
Azumaryu (M14) beat NIshikigi (M6)
Hiradoumi (M16) beat Hokutofuji (M5)
Takanosho (M9) beat Ura (M3)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Meisei (M2)
Takarafuji (M8) beat Ichinojo )M2)
Takayasu (M1) beat Ryuden (M6)
Kagayaki (M15) beat Kotonowaka (M1)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Tobizaru (K)
Endo (M7) beat Tamawashi (K)
Daieisho (K) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Oho (M13) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Abi (M9) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Mitakeumi (S) beat Sadanoumi (M4)
Takakeisho (O) beat Nishikifuji (M5)
Kiribayama (K) beat Shodai (O)
Leader: Oho, Takayasu, Hoshoryu (10-2)
Key matches tomorrow: Oho-Takayasu, Hoshoryu-Takakeisho, Kagayaki-Abi. Oho-Takayasu is for a share of the lead, while Hoshoryu must beat the Ozeki to stay in a tie. The Kagayaki-Abi winner will stay one win back and still with a chance. Also watch Tamawashi-Shodai, if the September champion wins then Shodai will be demoted from Ozeki with 8 losses again.
Reminder: NHK World Japan will have LIVE coverage in English on the final 2 days. Day 14 coverage features 50 minutes of top-tier action beginning Saturday at 3:10 AM ET/12:10 AM PT. Final Day coverage features 90 minutes of action including the final matches with potentially the championship deciding match, post-tournament awards ceremony and champion’s interview with English translations beginning Sunday at 2:30 AM ET/Saturday at 11:30 PM PT. NHK World Japan is available on participating cable/satellite providers and is also available FOR FREE online and on mobile/tablet/smart TV apps. No signup/subscription is required. It can also be watched on YouTube but programming there is limited to hourly news updates and on demand clips.

Juryo:
Gonoyama (J14) beat Enho (J11)
Roga (J13) beat Kaisho (J10)
Daishoho (J9) beat Tokushoryu (J12)
Shimazuumi (J13) bat Shimanoumi (J9)
Kotokuzan (J8) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Oshoma (J12) beat Akua (J5)
Takakento (J11) beat Chiyonokuni (J5)
Chiyosakai (J10) beat Hidenoumi (J4)
Tsurugisho (J3) beat Yutakayama (J4)
Mitoryu (J3) beat Kinbozan (J7)
Daiamami (J9) beat Churanoumi (J8)
Bushozan (J2) beat Tochimusashi (J7)
Hokuseiho (J6) beat Tohakuryu (J1)
Chiyomaru (J1) beat Kitanowaka (J6)
Leader: Tsurugisho, Akua, Hokuseiho, Oshoma (9-3)
Key matches tomorrow: Tsurugisho-Oshoma, Hokuseiho-Daishoho, Akua-Roga. There are also multiple rikishi at 8-4 so it’s wide open going into the final days.

Asanoyama Watch: As expected, no match today. His final Makushita match should be tomorrow against Kamito, a Makushita 10 at 5-1. Based on what else is happening, a win and a second straight 6-1 tournament should get the former Ozeki from Makushita 4 back to Juryo. But as the Makushita men return to Juryo this weekend, there’s a slight chance of another appearance (no Juryo withdrawals, just guys that have a chance to get there, or who are being promoted there, getting another opportunity). Also tomorrow is the Makushita Championship match between Tamashoho & Mineyaiba, both 6-0. In the lower tiers, Takarefuji can clinch the Jonokuchi Championship tomorrow with a win in his final match. A loss to Oyamazakura (5-1) would mean a 3-way tie for the title to include the Kyokutaisei-Kokiryu winner.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 of the November 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Kotoeko (M12) beat Ichiyamamoto (M14)
Kotoshoho (M11) beat Azumaryu (M14)
Onosho (M11) beat HIradoumi (M16)
Kagayaki (M15) beat Chiyoshoma (M10)
Abi (M9) beat Oho (M13)
Takanosho (M9) beat Terutsuyoshi (M16)
Tochinoshin (M8) beat Atamifuji (M15)
Takarafuji (M8) beat Okinoumi (M13)
Sadanoumi (M4) beat Aoiyama (M9)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Myogiryu (M7)
Endo (M7) beat Ura (M3)
Kotonowaka (M1) beat Ichinojo (M2)
Takayasu (M1) beat Nishikifuji (M5)
Kiribayama (K) beat Ryuden (M6)
Nishikigi (M6) beat Tamawashi (K)
Daieisho (K) beat Meisei (M2)
Midorifuji (M3) beat Tobizaru (K)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Mitakeumi (S)
Shodai (O) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Hokutofuji (M5)
Leader: Hoshoryu (10-1)
Key matches tomorrow: Oho-Hoshoryu, Takakeisho-Nishikifuji, Takayasu-Ryuden. If Hoshoryu wins and Takayasu loses, Hoshoryu will have a 2-win advantage with 4 matches left. He’s also now within reach of Ozeki in January as the magic number for potential promotion is down to 12 next time out, and can still go as low as 8.
Of note: No Ozeki promotion for Wakatakakage this time. He needed 11+ wins to have a chance and now can only manage 10. Shodai now needs to go 3-1 to get out of Kadoban and avoid demotion. Finally, with his 8th win today, Kagayaki clinches his first top-tier promotion and winning record in 2 years.

Juryo:
Gonoyama (J14) beat Chiyosakae (J10)
Oshoma (J12) beat Daishoho (J9)
Daiamami (J9) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Roga (J13) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Tochimusashi (J7) beat Kaisho (J10)
Shimazuumi (J13) beat Kitanowaka (J6)
Chiyonokuni (J4) beat Tokushoryu (J12)
Takakento (J11) beat Hiradoumi (J4)
Miroryu (J3) beat Yutakayama (J4)
Akua (J5) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Hokuseiho (J6) beat Bushozan (J2)
Kotokuzan (J8) beat Churanoumi (J2)
Kinbozan (J7) beat Chiyomaru (J1)
Enho (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J1)
Leader: Akua (9-2)
Key match tomorrow: Akua-Oshoma. Akua can take control of the title race with a win, but an Oshoma win can blow it wide open again.

Asanoyama Watch: DENIED! AGAIN! Just like in September, the former Ozeki took a surprise loss in his penultimate match, falling to Tamashoho to drop to 5-1 and out of the Makushita title race. With one match left, a win would leave Asanoyama with a second straight 6-1 performance and should be enough for promotion to Juryo. A loss means 5-2 and a tossup between Juryo and perhaps Makushita 1. It may depend on how those ranked above him finish. Let’s take a look so far with one match to go:
Makushita 1: Shiden, 3-3. Win means promotion to Juryo. Loss means demotion. Shiden reached Juryo in July for the first time but came right back to Makushita because July record was Absent, treated as 0-15. Shonannoumi, 4-2. Despite loss today, will be promoted to Juryo.
Makushita 2: Tsukahara, 2-4. Despite win today, will be demoted. Fujiseiun, 3-3. Lost today so promotion/demotion will go down to the final match. Likely would go to Makushita 1 with win.
Makushita 3: They met today with Tokihayate beating September champion Daiseiryu. Tokihayate goes for 4-3 and promotion on final day, Daiseiryu is demoted at 2-4.
Bottom of Juryo: Gonoyama at J14 is 6-5 and needs to finish 2-2 or better to stay. 1-3 or 0-4 finish would mean demotion back to Makushita. Tsushimanada at J14 is 5-6, he has to finish 3-1 to stay Juryo. At J13, Roga is 6-5 and trying to hang on but Shimazuumi is 4-7 and must win out to avoid demotion. At J11 & 12, Oshoma & Enho have earned promotions but everyone else is at risk of demotion.
So what it looks like is 6-1 almost definitely gets Asanoyama back to Juryo, 5-2 will depend on others. No match tomorrow so we won’t know his final opponent until Day 13 matches are announced.
The Makushita Final will be Tamashoho (Ms23) vs. Mineyaiba (Ms41). A Tamashoho championship gives him a slight chance at reaching Juryo while Mineyaiba would move up to probably Ms11 in January. In the Sandanme, 3 are at 6-0 going into Day 13 so that will possibly go down to the Final Day. The Jonidan final will be Otani vs. Asashiyu, both 6-0, while in Jonokuchi Takerufuji at 6-0 will only need to win his final match for a championship in his Debut.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the November 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Azumaryu (M14) beat Kotoeko (M12)
Onosho (M11) beat Ichiyamamoto (M14)
Hiradoumi (M10) beat Kotoshoho (M11)
Oho (M13) beat Aoiyama (M10)
Okinoumi (M13) beat Takanosho (M9)
Chiyoshoma (M10) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Tochinoshin (M8) beat Terutsuyoshi (M16)
Endo (M7) beat Atamifuji (M15)
Kagayaki (M15) beat Myogiryu (M7)
Ryuden (M6) beat Abi (M9)
Ura (M3) beat NIshikigi (M6)
Meisei (M2) beat Hokutofuji (M5)
NIshikifuji (M5) beat Ichinojo (M2)
Tamawashi (K) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Kotonowaka (M1) beat Daieisho (K)
Takayasu (M1) beat Tobizaru (K)
Midorifuji (M3) beat Mitakeumi (S)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Sadanoumi (M4)
Takakeisho (O) beat Kiribayama (K)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Shodai (O)
Leader: Hoshoryu, Oho (9-1).
Of note: Mitakeumi’s quest to regain Ozeki rank this time is over. He needed at least 10 wins and now can only finish with 9 at most. Shodai is now two losses from demotion himself and must finish 4-1 to get out of Kadoban status. Wakatakakage still has a chance at Ozeki consideration if he can win his last 5 matches.
Tomorrow’s key matches: Oho vs. Abi and Hoshoryu vs. Mitakeumi
Also, a correction from yesterday-I mentioned that Hoshoryu was the grandson of former Yokozuna Asashoryu. Hoshoryu is actually the nephew of Asashoryu.

Juryo:
Enho (J11) beat Shimazuumi (J13)
Takakento (J11) beat Chiyosakae (J10)
Daiamami (J9) beat Gonoyama (J14)
Daishoho (J9) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Kaisho (J10)
Roga (J13) beat Kotokuzan (J80
Tochimusashi (J7) beat Tokushoryu (J12)
Oshoma (J12) beat Kinbozan (J7)
Kitanowaka (J6) beat Hidenoumi (J4)
Mitoryu (J3) beat Akua (J5)
Tsurugisho (J3) beat Churanoumi (J2)
Bushozan (J2) beat Yutakayama (J4)
Tohakuryu (J1) beat Chiyonokuni (J5)
Hokuseiho (J6) beat Chiyomaru (J1)
Leader: Akua, Tsurugisho (8-2)
Key match tomorrow: Akua vs. Tsurigusho. The winner is in control of the championship lead. The loser still has a chance though.

Asanoyama Watch: As expected, no match today. The former Ozeki faces fellow unbeaten Tamashoho, currently at Makushita 23, for another chance at a championship and almost certainly promotion to Juryo. Who the winner will face for the title won’t be known until the other 2 5-0 rikishi face off on Day 12. The championship match likely will be on Day 13.
In the lower tiers, which are already underway on Day 12 as of this post, Takerufuji has all but won the Jonokuchi championship after beating fellow unbeaten Kyokutaisei. Takerufuji will only need to win his final match for the title in his Debut tournament. Both are headed for the Jonidan in January.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the November 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo:
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Okinoumi (M13)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Atamifuji (M15)
kagayaki (M15) beat Kotoshoho (M11)
Oho (M13) beat Onosho (M11)
Hiradoumi (M12) beat Aoiyama (M10)
Azumaryu (M14) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Myogiryu (M7) beat Chiyoshoma (M10)
Endo (M7) beat Terutsuyoshi (M16)
Ryuden (M6) beat Takanosho (M9)
Nishikigi (M6) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Nishikifuji (M5) beat Abi (M9)
Hokutofuji (M5) beat Ichinojo (M2)
Meisei (M2) beat Takayasu (M1)
Kiribayama (K) beat Kotonowaka (M1)
Tamawashi (K) beat Ura (M3)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Sadanoumi (M4)
Midorifuji (M3) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Mitakeumi (S)
Daieisho (K) beat Shodai (O)
Tobizaru (K) beat Takakeisho (O)
Leader: Hoshoryu, Oho (8-1). Both are the first to clinch winning records this tournament. In Oho’s case that means a promotion. Hoshoryu will stay at Sekiwake in January and now will have a chance at Ozeki consideration-every win he gets the rest of the way will improve his odds as right now he would need to go 14-1 in January. With 6 days left getting that record this time could mean just needing a winning record next time.
Of note: Tamawashi won with a technique called gasshohineri that is among the rarest in sumo. The last time a match was won with it? 1967! Go find this match online.
Ozeki Watch: Mitakeumi’s margin for error to get back to the second-highest rank is now zero. At 4-5, he must win his final 6 matches or he starts all over on the path to promotion. Wakatakakage also has to win his last 6 to have any chance at Ozeki promotion this time. Shodai is now below .500, meaning the Kadoban Ozeki must finish 4-2 or better to avoid demotion.

Juryo:
Enho (J11) beat Roga (J13)
Shimazuumi (J13) beat Kaisho (J10)
Daishoho (J9) beat Gonoyama (J14)
Daiamami (J9) beat Tokushoryu (J12)
Kotokuzan (J8) beat Takakento (J11)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Tochimusashi (J7) beat Chiyosakae (J10)
Hokuseiho (J6) beat Oshoma (J12)
Mitoryu (J3) beat Chiyonokuni (J5)
Tsurugisho (J3) beat Kinbozan (J7)
Akua (J5) beat Bushozan (J2)
Churanoumi (J2) beat Kitanowaka (J6)
Chiyomaru (J1) beat Yutakayama (J4)
Tohakuryu (J1) beat Hidenoumi (J4)
Leader: Akua (8-1). He is the first to earn a promotion this tournament and moves one step closer to a return to the top tier.

Asanoyama Watch: Another tough match for the former Ozeki in Makushita, but he pulled out a win over Shonannoumi to go to 5-0 for the 3rd straight tournament in his return and is one of the final 4 at 5-0 that will compete for the championship the rest of the way. One more win should definitely get him back to Juryo in January, as of right now 5 wins is a toss-up. No match tomorrow.

In the Sandanme, 6 sit at 5-0 after the first half of round 6. In the Jonidan, 5 are currently at 5-0 including September Jonokuchi champion Otani, looking for his second championship in just his second career tournament. In the Jonokuchi, Kyokutaisei and Takerufuji both won their matches today (Kyokutaisei was in the Jonidan) to improve to 5-0. Neither has a match on Day 10 (or had as the lowest two divisions have about finished their matches already).

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 8 of the November 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka, the halfway point of the tournament:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Okinoumi (M13) beat Yutakayama (J4)
Oho (M13) beat Atamifuji (M15)
Hiradoumi (M16) beat Kotoeko (M12)
Kagayaki (M15) beat Chiyotairyu (M12) by default/withdrawal
Onosho (M11) beat Terutsuyoshi (M16)
Kotoshoho (M11) beat Ichiyamamoto (M14)
Azumaryu (M14) beat Chiyoshoma (M10)
Aoiyama (M10) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Abi (M9) beat Endo (M7)
Ryuden (M6) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Hokutofuji (M5) beat Myogiryu (M7)
Nishikifuji (M5) beat Takanosho (M9)
Midorifuji (M3) beat NIshikigi (M6)
Ura (M3) beat Ichinojo (M2)
Takayasu (M1) beat Kiribayama (K)
Meisei (M2) beat Tamawashi (K)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Daieisho (K)
Kotonowaka (M1) beat Mitakeumi (S)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Tobizaru (K)
Takakeisho (O) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Sadanoumi (M4) beat Shodai (O)
WITHDRAWAL: Chiyotairyu (M12). RETIRED. Reportedly wants to open his own restaurant in Tokyo. He will finish the tournament with a final record of 2-6-7.
Leader: Hoshoryu, Takayasu, Abi, Oho (7-1)
On the flip side, there have been 2 demotions officially handed out today, both Takarafuji & Terutsuyoshi are now 0-8 and are assured losing records. Enjoy those last few top-tier epic salt throws because Terutsuyoshi will be demoted to Juryo in January. Ura staved off demotion today but must win out to avoid it.
Halfway observations: Watch Oho the rest of the way, his fast starts have generally followed by severe second half slumps. Abi & Takayasu have both been here before and look to be in top form. Hoshoryu is the wild card, but if he can keep this up the grandson of former Yokozuna Asashoryu may be positioning himself for not only his first championship, but a chance at Ozeki promotion by March. On the flip side, the recent championship curse continues-September champion Tamawashi is now 1-7.
Ozeki Watch: Takakeisho is in great shape, just one win off the lead, while Shodar will have to finish 4-3 or better to get out of Kadoban status and avoid demotion. At Sekiwake, Mitakeumi must finish 6-1 or 7-0 to get back to Ozeki, while Wakatakakage will need the same for a promotion chance (Wakatakakage needs at least 11 wins for the minimum 30 over the last 3 tournaments required).

Juryo:
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Shiden (Ms1)
Chiyosakae (J10) beat Shimazuumi (J13)
Oshoma (J12) beat Kaisho (J10)
Daishoho (J9) beat Roga (J13)
Gonoyama (J14) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Kotokuzan (J8) beat Tokushoryu (J12)
Tochimusashi (J7) beat Takakento (J11)
Kinbozan (J7) beat Enho (J11)
Kitanowaka (J6) beat Daiamami (J9)
Hokuseiho (J6) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Churanoumi (J2) beat Mitoryu (J3)
Bushozan (J2) beat Chiyonokuni (J5)
Akua (J5) beat Tohakuryu (J1)
Hidenoumi (J4) beat Chiyomaru (J1)
Leader: Akua (7-1). No more Juryo man appearances in the top tier for now following Chiyotairyu’s retirement unless there is another withdrawal before the final day.

Asanoyama Watch: As expected, no match today. The former Ozeki is one of 8 Makushita men at 5-0 and will face fellow unbeaten Shonannoumi, who at Makushita 1 will be promoted to Juryo in January for the first time in his career, tomorrow. A win may be enough for Asanoyama to return to Juryo in January, at worst he would be Makushita 1. I still believe he will need at least 2 more wins.
In the Sandanme, 11 are at 4-0 going into the second half of the tournament. In the Jonidan, 12 are 4-0 while in the Jonokuchi, former Maegashira 8 Kyokutaisei is tied with Takerufuji, who is also 4-0 in his Debut tournament, at the top. Takerufuji competes tomorrow while Kyokutaisei is in the Jonidan. At this point it’s virtually guaranteed Kyokutaisei will be promoted back to Jonidan in January, a pace that could put him back in Makushita in May and Juryo by September.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 7 of the November 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament from Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Azumaryu (M14) beat Atamifuji (M15)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Terutsuyoshi (M16)
Oho (M13) beat Hidenoumi (J4)
Hiradoumi (M16) beat Okinoumi (M13)
Kagayaki (M15) beat Onosho (M11)
Chiyoshoma (M10) beat Kotoeko (M12)
Aoiyama (M10) beat Chiyotairyu (M12)
Kotoshoho (M11) beat Takanosho (M9)
Abi (M9) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Myogiryu (M7) beat Nishikigi (M6)
Nishikifuji (M5) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Hokutofuji (M5) beat Ryuden (M6)
Endo (M7) beat Sadanoumi (M4)
Meisei (M2) beat Ichinojo (M2)
Kotonowaka (M1) beat Tamawashi (K)
Takayasu (M1) beat Daieisho (K)
Kiribayama (K) beat Mitakeumi (S)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Tobizaru (K) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Shodai (O) beat Ura (M3)
Takakeisho (O) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Leader: Takayasu, Abi, Hoshoryu, Oho (6-1)
On the flip side, 3 are now 0-7 after Week 1-Takatafuji, Terutsuyoshi, Ura. Any more losses and they are demoted, and if he doesn’t win out Terutsuyoshi will be demoted to Juryo in January. 7-8 MAY keep him in the top tier. And there is pretty much guaranteed to be no repeat champion this time as Tamawashi, the September winner, now is 1-6.

Juryo:
Gonoyama (J14) beat Daiseiryu (Ms3)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Tokushoryu (J12)
Enho (J11) beat Takakento (J11)
Chiyosakae (J10) beat Roga (J13)
Shimazuumi (J13) beat Daishoho (J9)
Oshoma (J12) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Kinbozan (J7) beat Kaisho (J10)
Daiamami (J9) beat Tochimusashi (J7)
Kotokuzan (J8) beat Kitanowaka (J6)
Mitoryu (J3) beat Hokuseiho (J6)
Chiyonokuni (J5) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Churanoumi (J2) beat Bushozan (J2)
Chiyomaru (J1) beat Akua (J5)
Yutakayama (J4) beat Tohakuryu (J1)
Leader: Tsurugisho, Akua (6-1). But both losing cost them each a potential 3-win advantage over the field.

Asanoyama Watch: As expected, no match today. The former Ozeki is one of 7 Makushita men at 4-0, with a promotion and winning record secured. There could be as many as 9 total at 4-0 after tomorrow. No match tomorrow but we will know his Day 9 opponent after Day 8 wraps up.

Reminder: There will be 50 minutes of LIVE top-tier matches tomorrow at 3:10 AM ET/12:10 AM PT in English on NHK World Japan.

UPDATE: There are reports that Chiyotairyu retired after his loss to Aoiyama today. If this is true he finishes his career with one championship in Juryo, 3 Kinboshi (Gold Star Victories), a highest rank of Komusubi and a career record of 463-483-57 and would have a 2-6-7 record this tournament. More to come…

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 6 of the November 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Kagayaki (M15) beat Hiradoumi (M16)
Mitoryu (J3) beat Ichiyamamoto (M14)
Okinoumi (M13) beat Azumaryu (M14)
Oho (M13) beat Terutsuyoshi (M16)
Chiyotairyu (M12) beat Atamifuji (M15)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Aoiyama (M10)
Takanosho (M9) beat Chiyoshoma (M10)
Abi (M9) beat Kotoshoho (M11)
Tochinoshin (M9) beat Onosho (M11)
Nishikigi (M6) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Hokutofuji (M5) beat Endo (M7)
Myogiryu (M7) beat Nishikifuji (M5)
Ryuden (M6) beat Sadanoumi (M4)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Meisei (M2)
Kotonowaka (M1) beat Tobizaru (K)
Kiribayama (K) beat Tamawashi (K)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Daieisho (K)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Ichinojo (M2)
Takayasu (M1) beat Mitakeumi (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Ura (M3)
Shodai (O) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Leader: Hoshoryu, Takayasu, Abi, Oho (5-1)

Juryo:
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Shimazuumi (J13)
Asanoyama (Ms4) beat Tokushoryu (J12)
Oshoma (J12) beat Roga (J13)
Gonoyama (J14) beat Takakento (J11)
Kaisho (J10) beat Daiamami (J9)
Daishoho (J9) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Enho (J11) beat Kotokuzan (J8)
Kinbozan (J7) beat Chiyosakae (J10)
Akua (J5) beat Tochimusashi (J7)
Hokuseiho (J6) beat Hidenoumi (J4)
Yutakayama (J4) beat Kitanowaka (J6)
Chiyonokuni (J5) beat Churanoumi (J2)
Tsurugisho (J3) beat Tohakuryu (J1)
Bushozan (J2) beat Chiyomaru (J1)
Leader: Akua, Tsurugisho (6-0)

Asanoyama Watch: The former Ozeki was a surprise guest today as the Makushita Man in Juryo, easily beating Tokushoryu to go to 4-0 and clinch a 4th straight promotion and winning record. No match tomorrow and he now may not compete again until Day 9, when the Makushita begins round 5. For now he’s the sole Makushita leader with 14 at 3-0.
In the Sandanme, 22 are tied at 3-0. In the Jonidan, 24 are tied at 3-0, while in the Jonokuchi former top tier and Juryo mainstay Kyokutaisei, attempting a comeback after missing the last 3 tournaments and most of the prior 2 following a few poor performances, is off to a good start as he is one of four left at 3-0. At this point it’s all but definite he’ll at least move back up to Jonidan in January, a pace that if all goes well could put him back up in Makushita by May..

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 5 of the November 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Atamifuji (M15) beat Kagayaki (M15)
Tsurugisho (J3) beat Azumaryu (M14)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Hiradoumi (M16)
Oknoumi (M13) beat Terutsuyoshi (M16)
Oho (M13) beat Kotoeko (M12)
Onosho (M11) beat Chiyotairyu (M12)
Aoiyama (M10) beat Kotoshoho (M11)
Abi (M9) beat Takanosho (M9)
Chiyoshoma (M10) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Myogiryu (M7) beat Endo (M7)
Ryuden (M6) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Nishikifuji (M5) beat Hokutofuji (M5)
Sadanoumi (M4) beat Nishikigi (M6)
Kotonowaka (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Daieisho (K) beat Kiribayama (K)
Takayasu (M1) beat Tamawashi (K)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Ura (M3)
Mitakeumi (S) beat Tobizaru (K)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Meisei (M2) beat Shodai (O)
Takakeisho (O) beat Ichinojo (M2)
Leader: 8 tied at 4-1

Juryo:
Roga (J13) beat Shimazuumi (J13)
Oshoma (J12) beat Tokihayate (Ms3)
Tokushoryu (J12) beat Gonoyama (J14)
Takakento (J11) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Daiamami (J9) beat Enho (J11)
Kaisho (J10) beat Kotokuzan (J8)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Chiyosakae (J10)
Daishoho (J9) beat Kinbozan (J7)
Hokuseiho (J6) beat Kitanowaka (J6)
Chiyonokuni (J5) beat Tochimusashi (J7)
Yutakayama (J4) beat Hidenoumi (J4)
Akua (J5) beat Churanoumi (J2)
Chiyomaru (J1) beat Mitoryu (J3)
Bushozan (J2) beat Tohakuryu (J1)
Leader: Akua, Tsurugisho (5-0)

Asanoyama Watch: The former Ozeki easily beat Hakuyozan to improve to 3-0 and is now one win away from his 4th straight winning record and promotion since returning from suspension. 4 wins will not get him back to Juryo in January, I still believe he’ll need 6 but 5 may be enough. No match tomorrow, he next will be in action on Day 7 or 8.