Tag: sumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14 of the September 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Terutsuyoshi (M15) beat Hiradoumi (M16)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Yutakayama (M14)
Chiyotairyu (M11) beat Ichiyamamoto (M13)
Ryuden (M12) beat Takanosho (M10)
Myogiryu (M9) beat Kotoshoho (M11)
Tochinoshin (M8) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Aoiyama (M7) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Wakamotoharu (M6) beat Oho (M13)
Sadanoumi (M5) beat Kotonowaka (M2)
Meisei (M2) beat Okinoumi (M12)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Midorifuji (M1) beat Kotoeko (M9)
Ichinojo (K) beat ONosho (M7)
Kiribayama (K) beat Ura (M3)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Hokutofuji (M8)
Daieisho (S) beat Nishikigi (M4)
Takayasu (M4) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat NIshikifuji (M10)
Endo (M6) beat Mitakeumi (O)
Shodai (O) beat Takarafuji (M5)
Leader: Tamawashi (12-2), Takayasu (11-3). They face off on the final day. If Tamawashi wins, he is the Makuuchi Champion for the second time in his career (it would be his 4th overall championship). If Takayasu wins, then after the remaining matches they will have a tiebreaker rematch for the Championship. Takayasu is going for his first Emperor’s Cup and second overall Championhhip (he has one Makushita Championship in his career) as he looks to try and make his way back to Ozeki.

Juryo:
Gonoyama (J12) beat Fujiseium (Ms5)
Tokushoryu (J10) beat Daishoho (J8)
Kotokuzan (J7) beat Hokuseiho (J9). TOCHIMUSASHI JURYO YUSHO! Because of this result, Tochimusashi is the September Juryo Champion!
Akua (J6) beat Daiamami (J8)
Churanoumi (J6) beat Kaisho (J9)
Hidenoumi (J5) beat Chiyosakae (J11)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Takakento (J14)
Bushozan (J4) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Atamifuji (J3) beat Tochimusashi (J14)
Kinbozan (J12) beat Tohakuryu (J3)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Chiyonokuni (J2)
Azumaryu (J2) beat Oshoma (J13)
Enho (J7) beat Shimanoumi (J1)
Chiyomaru (J1) beat Tochimaru (J13)
CHAMPION: Tochimusashi (11-3). Despite the loss today, nobody can catch him because second place is 9-5. The former Kanno wins the Juryo championship in his second tier debut and will make a big jump up the rankings. He won’t reach the top tier but, depending on his final day result, will probably move up to Juryo 3 at best, maybe Juryo 5 at worst.

Asanoyama Watch: No match today. His final Makushita match will be tomorrow on the Final Day against Tochikodai, a Makushita 20 who is also 5-1. A win means Asanoyama finishes 6-1 and possibly will move into the top 5 of thw Makushita rankings in November. A loss means a 5-2 finish but he’ll still move up, probably to between Makushta 7-10. He will be promoted regardless and still have at least a chance to return to Juryo in January.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13 of the September 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Chiyotairyu (M11) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Yutakayama (M14) beat Kotoshoho (M11)
Hiradoumi (M16) beat Kotoeko (M9)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Yochinoshin (M8) beat Okinoumi (M12)
Mitoryu (M16) beat Onosho (M7)
Aoiyama (M7) beat Terutsuyoshi (M15)
Ryuden (M12) beat Endo (M6)
Sadanoumi (M5) beat Oho (M13)
Takarafuji (M5) beat Ichiyamamoto (M13)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Nishikifuji (M10)
Kotonowaka (M2) beat Takanosho (M10)
Meisei (M2) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Hokutofuji (M8) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Takayasu (M4) beat Kiribayama (K)
Ichinojo (K) beat Ura (M3)
Wakamotoharu (M6) beat Daieisho (S)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Nishikigi (M4)
Shodai (O) beat Mitakeumi (O)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Takakeisho (O)
Leader: Tamawashi (11-2). There is a chance Tamawashi can win the Emperor’s Cup tomorrow-he has to beat Tobizaru then Wakatakakage has to beat Hokutofuji and Hoshoryu has to beat Takayasu. If all of that happens, it’s over and Tamawashi will win his 2nd top-tier championship and 4th overall. If Tamawashi wins, then regardless of what happens tomorrow the worst he can do is be forced into a playoff.
Of note: A Sanyaku shakeup is coming as Daieisho will be demoted from Sekiwake due to taking his 8th loss. Abi and Ichinojo will be demoted as well (Abi likely because he missed the entire tournament due to injury) and Mitakeumi will be demoted to Sekiwake. This seems to open the door for Tobizaru and possibly Kotonowaka to be promoted to Komusubi. It can be argued the only reason Kotonowaka may not be there already is his forced withdrawal in July due to coronavirus protocols-he was 7-3 when he had to pull out. Tamawashi has a good chance as well regardless of what happens the last two days, at worst he’ll be at M1 in November.

Juryo:
Tsushimanada (Ms4) beat Gonoyama (J12)
Hokuseiho (J9) beat Oshoma (J13)
Chiyosakae (J11) beat Daiamami (J8)
Takakento (J14) beat Churanoumi (J8)
Kaisho (J9) beat Akua (J6)
Hidenoumi (J5) beat Daishoho (J8)
Bushozan (J4) beat Enho (J7)
Kinbozan (J12) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Tochimkusashi (J14) beat Tohakuryu (J3)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Atamifuji (J3)
Azumaryu (J2) beat Kotokuzan (J7)
CHiyonokuni (J2) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Chiyomaru (J1) beat Tokushoryu (J10)
Shimanoumi (J1) beat Tochimaru (J13)
Leader: Tochimusashi (11-2). Only Hokuseiho (9-4) still has a chance to catch Tochimusashi, and even then it would only force a playoff. If either Hokuseiho loses tomorrow to Kotokuzan or Tochimusashi beats Atamifuji, it’s over and Tochimusashi is the champion. Hokuseiho-Kotokuzan is scheduled before Tochimusashi-Atamifuji so the former Kanno will know his destiny before his match.

Lower tier notes: It’s all over in the lower tiers except Jonidan. As noted late last night, Otani is the Jonokuchi champion at 7-0, while Oshoumi is the Sandanme champion at 7-0, his second career championship and he has won 11 straight matches participated in (he was 4-0 in Jonidan in July before withdrawing due to coronavirus protocols). He has a chance to reach Makushita in November but at a Sandanme 78 he might be too far down. Daiseiryu is the Makushita champion at 7-0 after beating Yuki, which came after Asonoyama lost earlier in the day. This is Daiseiryu’s first career championship. He is at Makushita 36, which based on recent history likely won’t get him back to Juryo for the first tine since November 2017, but he’ll be close. He will probably be at around Makushita 6. In the Jonidan, Takahashi & Chindaigo are the only 7-0 wrestlers and likely will have a playoff on the final day.

Asanoyama Watch: No match today or tomorrow. That means his final match will be on the Final Day, when he will try to finish 6-1. That probably won’t be enough to jump from Makushita 15 to Juryo, but he will be in position to return to the second tier in January.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the September 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament from Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Okinoumi (M12) beat Yutakayama (M14)
Kotoshoho (M11) beat Myogiryu (M16)
Takanosho (M14) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Myogiryu (M9) beat Oho (M13)
Ryuden (M12) beat Kotoeko (M9)
Hiradoumi (M16) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Chiyotairyu (M11) beat Aoiyama (M9)
Onosho (M7) beat Terutsuyoshi (M15)
Endo (M6) beat Ichiyamamoto (M13)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Takarafuji (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M6) beat Tamawashi (M3)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Nishikifuji (M10)
Ura (M3) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Meisei (M2) beat Ichinojo (K)
Kiribayama (K) beat Kotonowaka (M2)
Takayasu (M4) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Sadanoumi (M5)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Shodai (O)
Takakeisho (O) beat Hokutofuji (M8)
Mitakeumi (O) beat Nishikigi (M4)
Leader: Tamawashi (10-2). 4 at 9-3
Of note: Mitoryu’s top tier debut will end with demotion back to Juryo as he took his 8th loss today. Ichonojo, the July champion, will again be demoted from Sanyaku as he took loss 8 today. Any chances Wakatakakage had of potential Ozeki promotion this tournament are now gone unless he can win the tournament, which at a best of 11-4 is unlikely. But that record would mean duplicating it or better in November could get him there in January. Takakeisho has assured himself of remaining a full-fledged Ozeki in November by getting his 8th win today.

Juryo:
Oshoma (J13) beat Daishomaru (Ms3)
Daishoho (J8) beat Tochimaru (J13)
Kinbozan (J12) beat Kotokuzan (J7)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Akua (J6)
Churanoumi (J6) beat Chiyosakae (J11)
Takakento (J14) beat Hidenoumi (J5)
Tochimusashi (J14) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Tokushoryu (J10) beat Bushozan (J4)
Daiamami (J8) beat Atamifuji (J3)
Tohakuryu (J3) beat Hokuseiho (J9)
Chiyonokuni (J2) beat Gonoyama (J12)
Shimazuumi (J10) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Kaisho (J9) beat Shimanoumi (J1)
Enho (J7) beat Chiyomaru (J1)
Leader: Tochimusashi (10-2). There is a chance the former Kanno, in his Juryo debut, can clinch the Championship tomorrow on Day 13 if all of the following happen: Oshoma beats Hokuseiho, then Kinbozan beats Kagayaki, and finally Tochimusashi beats Tohakuryu. That would put Tochimusashi at 11-2 and those other 3, tied for 2nd at 8-4, at 8-5 with no hope of catching up. Regardless, if Tochimusashi wins tomorrow the worst he can do is have to go to a playoff on the final day.

Asanoyama Watch: As expected, no match today. No match tomorrow so his final match will come on either Day 14 or Day 15. Tomorrow’s key Makushita matches are Asonoyama vs. Hokaho and Yuma (who beat Asanoyama on Day 11) vs. Daiseiryu. If Asonoyama wins, he would face the Yuma-Daiseiryu winner in a playoff for the Makushita Championship. But if Asonoyama loses, Yuma-Daiseiryu is for the Championship.
The Sandanme Championship will be decided tomorrow as the only remaining 6-0 wrestlers, Wakanosho & Oshoumi, face off. The Jonidan Championship may be like Makushita because there are 3 left at 6-0, Takahashi & Nakahsima face off in the day’s final bout for either the Championship if Chiyodaigo loses earlier in the day, or a potential playoff if he wins. In the Jonokuchi, if Otani wins tomorrow he wins the Championship at 7-0. If he loses, there will either be a playoff or co-champions.

UPDATE: Early Day 13 update-Otani has won the Jonokuchi Championship with a perfect 7-0 mark. This was his Debut tournament and he wins a title for Miyagino beya and stablemaster Miyagino, the former Yokozuna Hakuho.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the September 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament from Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Hiradoumi (M16) beat Oho (M13)
Kotoshoho (M11) beat Terutsuyoshi (M15)
Takanosho (M10) beat Ichiyamamoto (M13)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Kotoeko (M9) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Ryuden (M12) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Onosho (M7)
Okinoumi (M12) beat Aoiyama (M7)
Endo (M6) beat Chiyotairyu (M11)
Takaradufji (M5) beat Yutakayama (M14)
Myogiryu (M9) beat Takayasu (M4)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Hokutofuji (M8)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Ura (M3)
Meisei (M2) beat Kiribayama (K)
Kotonowaka (M2) beat Ichinojo (K)
Midorifuji (M1) beat Daieisho (S)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat NIshikigi (M4)
Sadanoumi (M5) beat Mitakeumi (O)
Shodai (O) beat Wakamotoharu (M6)
Leader: Tamawashi (10-1)
Of note: First and foremost…the Ozeki ranks will thin. Because this was his 8th loss and he was in Kadoban status, Mitakeumi will be DEMOTED in November to Sekiwake. However, if he can earn at least 10 wins next time out, he will be re-promoted to Ozeki. Technically this was his 3rd straight losing tournament as an Ozeki but he, and countless other rikishi, got a free pass in July due to numerous coronavirus-related withdrawals (Mitakeumi was 2-6 when he pulled out, but that may have been due to injury) because if one member of a beya (stable) tested positive for the virus, EVERYONE in that beya had to withdraw. Elsewhere, promotions and demotions are starting to pile up, but the one to watch at the top now is Wakatakakage-the Sekiwake started 0-3 but has now won 8 straight and now still has a chance for his second championship (he won the March tournament) and, if he can win out, potential Ozeki promotion. Also, with promotion clinched and 8 wins, Tobizaru probably will make his Sanyaku debut in November as he should be promoted to Komusubi. Besides being at risk of demotion, Ichinojo now has been eliminated from contention so he will not repeat as champion.
Key matches tomorrow on Day 12: Tamawashi-Wakamotoharu, Tobizaru-Nishikifuji (Nishikifuji is tied for 2nd at 9-2), Wakatakakage-Takayasu (both 8-3 so the loser could be all but out), Hokutofuji-Takakeisho (Hokutofuji is 9-2).

Juryo:
Takakento (J14) beat Tomokaze (Ms2)
Chiyosakae (J11) beat Kinbozan (J12)
Gonoyama (J12) beat Enho (J7)
Tochimusashi (J14) beat Kotokuzan (J7)
Oshoma (J13) beat Churanoumi (J6)
Hidenoumi (J5) beat Tochimaru (J13)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Bushozan (J4)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Hokuseiho (J9)
Tohakuryu (J3) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Tokushoryu (J10) beat Atamifuji (J3)
Akua (J5) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Chiyonokuni (J2) beat Kaisho (J9)
Daishoho (J8) beat Chiyomaru (J1)
Daiamami (J8) beat Shimanoumi (J1)
Leader: Tochimusashi (9-2)
Key match tomorrow: Tochimusashi-Kagayaki. If Kagayaki wins, we could have a potential 3-way tie for the lead and as many as 5 could still have a chance at the championship.

Asanoyama Watch: The perfect comeback run has been derailed by the 3:10 to Yuma. The former Ozeki, going for 13 straight wins since returning from a 1-year suspension, took a surprise first loss to Yuma in the Makushita today, dropping to 5-1 and eliminated from championship contention. This also likely means Asanoyama, currently at Makushita 15, probably won’t get a big enough promotion to reach Juryo in November even if he finishes 6-1. Yuma is one of 3 at 6-0 who will go for the Championship, presumably on Day 13. This means that, depending on the matches scheduled, there could be a Playoff on Day 15. Also, the possible faceoff for the title between two members of the same beya will not happen because while Asonoyama won to go 6-0, Sakaigawa stablemate Shosei lost against fellow unbeaten Daiseiryu. So one of Yuma, Asonoyama or Daiseiryu will be the winner.
In the Sandanme, the final should be Wakanosho vs. Oshoumi, who are both 6-0.The Jonidan has 3 at 6-0 while in Jonokuchi, Otani is the sole leader at 6-0 and will be champion as long as he wins his final match.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the September 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Tohakuryu (J3) beat Terutsuyoshi (M15)
Oho (M13) beat Ichiyamamoto (M13)
Ryuden (M12) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Kotoshoho (M11) beat Hiradoumi (M16)
Chiyotairyu (M11) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Takanosho (M10) beat Okinoumi (M12)
Aoiyama (M7) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Onosho (M7) beat Yutakayama (M14)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Wakamotoharu (M6)
Endo (M6) beat Kotoeko (M9)
Takarafuji (M8) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Sadanoumi (M5) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Takayasu (M4) beat Hokutofuji (M8)
Nishigiki (M4) beat Meisei (M2)
Kotonowaka (M2) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Kiribayama (K)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Ura (M3)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Mitakeumi (O)
Ichinojo (K) beat Shodai (O)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Takakeisho (O)
Daieisho (S) beat Terunofuji (Y) by default/withdrawal
WITHDRAWAL: Terunofuji (Y). Osteoarthritis of both knees (chronic) and right knee bone contusion. Out at least 3 weeks. His tournament is done. Consider him probable for the November tournament, which is to begin on 11/13.
Leader: Hokutofuji, Tamawashi (9-1)
Of note: With today’s results, Mitakeumi now must win his remaining 5 matches or he will be demoted from Ozeki in November. His opponent tomorrow is Sadanoumi. Takayasu & NIshikifuji clinched promotions today. There will be only one leader after tomorrow because the highlight match of Day 11 is Hokutofuji-Tamawashi. Also, no Juryo man in the top tier beginning tomorrow because of the Terunofuji withdrawal, we’re back to even numbers in the top tier.

Juryo:
Kinbozan (J12) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Tochimusashi (J14) beat Tokushoryu (J10)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Hokuseiho (J9)
Oshoma (J13) beat Kaisho (J9)
Daiamami (J6) beat Tochimaru (J13)
Takakento (J14) beat Daishoho (J8)
Gonoyama (J12) beat Hidenoumi (J5)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Bushozan (J4)
Atamifuji (J3) beat Chiyosakae (J11)
Enho (J7) beat Chiyonokuni (J2)
Azumaryu (J2) beat Churanoumi (J2)
Kotokuzan (J7) beat Shimanoumi (J1)
Chiyomaru (J1) beat Akua (J6)
Leader: Hokuseiho, Tochimusashi (8-2)
Of note: There will be a Makushita man in Juryo going forward tomorrow as there will be an odd number of participants (there was one early withdrawal).

Asanoyama Watch: As expected, no match today. He will face fellow 5-0 Yuma tomorrow. There will be only 2 or 3 at 6-0 after tomorrow as fellow unbeatens Shosei & Daiseiryu face each other, and the other unbeaten, Asonoyama, has an early match against 4-1 Yuki. So best-case is we have our final set for Day 13. Worst case is a tiebreaker will be needed, that would be a playoff match. The Sandanme has 4 left at 5-0, the Jonidan has 6 at 5-0, while the Jonokuchi has 2 at 5-0.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the September 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Ryuden (M12) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Terutsuyoshi (M15) beat Okinoumi (M12)
Takanosho (M10) beat Hiradoumi (M16)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Oho (M13)
Ichiyamamoto (M13) beat Kotoeko (M9)
Tochinoshin (M8) beat Kotoshoho (M11)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Onosho (M7)
Aoiyama (M7) beat Yutakayama (M14)
Myogiryu (M9) beat Endo (M6)
Hokutofuji (M8) beat Wakamotoharu (M6)
Chiyotairyu (M11) beat Takarafuji (M5)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Meisei (M2)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Kotonowaka (M2)
Ichinojo (K) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Sadanoumi (M5) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Nishigiki (M4)
Ura (M3) beat Shodai (O)
Kiribayama (K) beat Takakeisho (O)
Daieisho (S) beat Mitakeumi (O)
Takayasu (M4) beat Terunofuji (Y). KINBOSHI! The 5th career Gold Star VIctory for Takayasu!
Leader: Hokutofuji (9-0)
Of note: The first official demotions for losing records were handed out today and, perhaps unsurprisingly, Shodai was among them. His 8th straight loss means more losses and wins and once again he will find himself in Kadoban status in November and at risk of demotion. Mitakeumi is now just 2 losses from demotion. On the flip side, Tamawashi became the second wrestler to clinch a promotion and winning record with his 8th win today. Tomorrow sees Hokutofuji go for 10-0 against Takayasu. Terunofuji is all but out of the yusho race at 5-4, but no Kinboshi chance tomorrow as his opponent is Daieisho.

Juryo:
Shimazuumi (J10) beat Kitanowaka (J11)
Kaisho (J9) beat Kinbozan (J12)
Hokuseiho (J9) beat Chiyosakae (J11)
Gonoyama (J12) beat Daishoho (J8)
Daiamami (J8) beat Takakento (J14)
Oshoma (J13) beat Enho (J7)
Tochimusashi (J14) beat Churanoumi (J6)
Akua (J6) beat Tochimaru (J13)
Kotokuzan (J7) beat Tohakuryu (J3)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Atamifuji (J3)
Chiyonokuni (J2) beat Tokushoryu (J10)
Hidenoumi (J5) beat Chiyomaru (J1)
Bushozan (J4) beat Shimanoumi (J1)
Leader: Hokuseiho (8-1). He becomes the first Juryo man to clinch promotion and a winning record this tournament.

Asanoyama Watch: It was just a little close at the end, but that’s 12 straight wins for the former Ozeki in his comeback, now 5-0 after a win against Shonannoumi. No match tomorrow. Makushita is now down to 5 at 5-0, including stablemates Shosei & Asonoyama. There’s a good chance the stablemates will have to face off and we might get a tongue-twister between Asanoyama and Asonoyama.
There are currently 4 in the Sandamne at 5-0, 6 in the Jonidan at 5-0 and 2 in the Jonokuchi at 5-0.

UPDATE: BREAKING DAY 10 NEWS: Terunofuji has WITHDRAWN. Unknown why at this time but it’s almost certainly due to injury. That means Daieisho gets a free victory and an 8th Championship for the Yokozuna will have to wait.

Here are the results from today’s Day 8 of the September Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo, the halfway point of the tournament:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Mitoryu (M16) beat Shimanoumi (J1)
Yutakayama (J14) beat Ichiyamamoto (J13)
Okinoumi (M12) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Ryuden (M12) beat Hiradoumi (M16)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Kotoshoho (M11)
Terutsuyoshi (M15) beat Chiyotairyu (M11)
Oho (M13) beat Takanosho (M10)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Kotoeko (M9) beat Aoiyama (M7)
Wakamotoharu (M6) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Hokutofuji (M8) beat Endo (M6)
Onosho (M7) beat Takarafuji (M5)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Sadanoumi (M5)
Kotonowaka (M2) beat Meisei (M2)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Ichinojo (K)
Mdorifuji (M1) beat Kiribayama (K)
Ura (M3) beat Hoshoryu (K)
Takakeisho (O) beat Takayasu (M4)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Mitakeumi (O)
Daieisho (S) beat Shodai (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Nishikigi (M4)
Leader: Hokutofuji (8-0). He is the first to clinch a winning record and what should be a promotion for the November tournament. Tamawashi can earn his promotion tomorrow with a win as he sits at 7-1. Of note is that 5 are now 1-7 and face potential demotion by finishing with losing records should they lose tomorrow…and in what’s become a recurring theme this past year, Shodai could once again find himself in Kadoban status. He will again be at risk of demotion after November if he does not win out because he has now lost 7 straight to be in the 1-7 group. Mitakeumi, currently in Kadoban, is at 3-5 and must finish 5-2 or better to avoid demotion. The first unofficial demotion came today as Abi remains absent, having now missed the first 8 days due to injury. He is probably out the entire tournament, so whether or not he gets demoted is a toss-up (it’s not always a given when absence is due to injury or coronavirus the first time, but consecutive tournaments missed does mean demotion except for Yokozuna). Regardless, he likely will fall out of Sanyaku. On the flip side, Takakeisho could have an outside shot at Yokozuna consideration if he can win out, which would put him at a final mark of 13-2. If that wins the Championship, he’ll have a strong case because he was runner-up in July. Finally, there is yet another Kinboshi chance tomorrow as Terunofuji’s scheduled opponent is Takayasu.

Juryo:
Oshoma (J13) beat Gonoyama (J12)
Takakento (J10 beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Tokushoryu (J10) beat Tochimaru (J13)
Hokuseiho (J9) beat Tochimusashi (J14)
Chiyosakae (J11) beat Kaisho (J9)
Kinbozan (J12) beat Daiamami (J8)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Daishoho (J8)
Enho (J7) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Atamifuji (J3) beat Kotokuzan (J7)
Tohakuryu (J3) beat Churanoumi (J6)
Akua (J6) beat Chiyonokuni (J2)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Azuamryu (J2)
Chiyomaru (J1) beat Bushozan (J4)
Leader: Hokuseiho (7-1)

Asanoyama Watch: As expected, no match today. He is one of 8 tied for the Makushita lead at 4-0, potentially setting up one heck of a tongue-twister match later on with fellow Makushita Asonoyama. But there’s another potential dramatic scenario that could play out: Two of the co-leaders, Asonoyama and Shosei, are from the same beya (stable). This could set up the exceptionally rare and unusual situation where stablemates may have to face each other for the championship. Normally stablemates do not face each other in a tournament unless it’s such a scenario as this. Asanoyama will face Shonannoumi tomorrow, who is also 4-0. The 12 remaining unbeatens could be down to as few as 6 after tomorrow with 4 head-to-head matchups and 2 facing Sandanme men.
In the lower tiers, the Sandanme has 10 tied for the lead at 4-0 so far. The Jonidan has 12 tied at 4-0. Finally, the bottom tier, Jonokuchi, has 3 at 4-0.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 7 of the September 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozaun, J-Juryo
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Hiradoumi (M16) beat Chiyomaru (J1)
Terutsuyoshi (M15) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Ichiyamamoto (M13)
Ryuden (M12) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Yutakayama (M14) beat Chiyotairyu (M11)
Kotoshoho (M11) beat Oho (M13)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Okinoumi (M12)
Kotoeko (M9) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Hokutofuji (M8) beat Takanosho (M10)
Tochinoshin (M8) beat Wakamotoharu (M6)
Sadanoumi (M5) beat Onosho (M7)
Takarafuji (M5) beat Aoiyama (M7)
Takayasu (M4) beat Endo (M6)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Meisei (M2)
Kotonowaka (M2) beat Daieisho (S)
Midorifuji (M1) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Tamawashi (M3)
Kiribayama (K) beat Mitakeumi (O)
Nishigiki (M4) beat Shodai (O)
Takakeisho (O) beat Ura (M3)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Ichinojo (K)
Leader: Hokutofuji (7-0). This means he can clinch a winning record and promotion tomorrow. Abi is going to become the first likely demotion tomorrow as he remains absent due to injuries. He would miss his 8th match tomorrow, and absent days are treated as losses. There is another Kinboshi chance tomorrow as Terunofuji’s opponent is Nishikigi. Nishikigi has one career victory over a Yokozuna, it came back in January 2019 when he defeated Kakuryu.

Juryo:
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Takakento (J14)
Tochimaru (J13) beat Chiyosakae (J11)
Tokushoryu (J10) beat Gonoyama (J12)
Shimazuumi (J10) beat Tochimusashi (J14)
Daishoho (J8) beat Kinbozan (J12)
Daiamami (J8) beat Oshoma (J13)
Kaisho (J9) beat Enho (J7)
Hokuseiho (J9) beat Churanoumi (J6)
Kotokuzan (J7) beat Akua (J6)
Atamifuji (J3) beat Hidenoumi (J5)
Azumaryu (J2) beat Bushozan (J4)
Chiyonokuni (J2) beat Tohakuryu (J3)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Shimanoumi (J1)
Leader: Churanoumi, Hokuseiho, Tochimusashi (6-1)

Asanoyama Watch: Despite facing a fellow 3-0 wrestler, the former Ozeki still easily picked up his 11th straight win against Dewanoryu, clinching a promotion and winning record while retaining a share of the Makushita lead. There is still a chance he could promote to Juryo in November if he goes 7-0 and wins the championship, but recent history suggests he may need one more winning tournament in Makushita as his current rank is Makushita 15. Since he had his 4th match today, no match tomorrow.

Because tomorrow is the halfway point, fans outside Japan can watch 50 minutes of LIVE coverage tomorrow on NHK World Japan beginning at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET, which will feature the last few top tier matches. NHK World Japan is available on participating cable/satellite providers, but you can also watch on their website and mobile/smart TV apps FOR FREE! There is no signup/login necessary. The mobile/smart TV apps are also free to download. The broadcasts are in English with subtitles available for several languages.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 6 of the September 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Terutsuyoshi (M15) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Tohakuryu (J3) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Ichiyamamoto (M13) beat Hiradoumi (M16)
Mitoryu (M16) beat Oho (M13)
Ryuden (M12) beat Yutakayama (M14)
Kotoshoho (M11) beat Chiyotairyu (M11)
Kotoeko (M9) beat Okinoumi (M12)
Takanosho (M10) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Hokutofuji (M8) beat Nishikifuji (M10)
Myogiryu (M9) beat Aoiyama (M7)
Wakamotoharu (M6) beat Onosho (M7)
Endo (M6) beat Takarafuji (M5)
Nishigiki (M4) beat Sadanoumi (M5)
Takayasu (M4) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Ichinojo (K)
Kiribayama (K) beat Daieisho (S)
Meisei (M2) beat Shodai (O)
Tamawashi (M6) beat Takakeisho (O)
Kotonowaka (M2) beat Mitakeumi (O)
Ura (M3) beat Terunofuji (Y). KINBOSHI! The 2nd career Gold Star Victory for Ura! Of note is that’s now 3 Kinboshi just this tournament so far and 2 days in a row! But that streak ends tomorrow because Terunofuji’s next opponent is Ichinojo. No Kinboshi for Sanyaku ranks.
Leader: Tamawashi, Hokutofuji (6-0)

Juryo:
Takakento (J14) beat Chiyosakae (J11)
Tochimusashi (J14) beat Kitanowaka (J11)
SHimazuumi (J10) beat Tochimaru (J13)
Tokushoryu (J10) beat Oshoma (J13)
Hokuseiho (J9) beat Kinbozan (J12)
Kaisho (J9) beat Gonoyama (J12)
Akua (J6) beat Enho (J7)
Churanoumi (J6) beat Daishoho (J8)
Daiamami (J8) beat Hidenoumi (J5)
Bushozan (J4) beat Kotokuzan (J7)
Azumaryu (J2) beat Chiyonokuni (J2)
Atamifuji (J3) beat Shimanoumi (J1)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Chiyomaru (J1)
Leader: Churanoumi, Tochimusasahi (6-0)

Asanoyama Watch: The former Ozeki picked up another easy win, his 10th straight since his comeback began in July, beating Hokutenkai to remain one of 15 in the Makushita Division tied for the lead at 3-0. Those ranks will thin tomorrow on Day 7 as Asanoyama, at Makushita 15, faces fellow 3-0 Dewanoryu, a Makushita 12. The winner will be promoted in November due to being guaranteed a winning record.

Here are the results from yesterday’s Day 4 and today’s Day 5 of the September 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi; S-Sekiwake; O-Ozeki; Y-Yokozuna; J-Juryo
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Day 4:
Azumaryu (J2) beat Terutsuyoshi (M15)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Hiradoumi (M16)
Yutakayama (M14) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M13) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Oho (M13) beat Okinoumi (M12)
Kotoshoho (M11) beat Ryuden (M12)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Takanosho (M10)
Kotoeko (M9) beat Chiyotairyu (M11)
Hokutofuji (M8) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Onosho (M7) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Wakamotoharu (M6) beat Endo (M6)
Sadanoumi (M5) beat Aoiyama (M7)
Takayasu (M4) beat NIshigiki (M4)
Ura (M3) beat Takarafuji (M5)
Ichinojo (K) beat Daieisho (S)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Kiribayama (K)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Mitakeumi (O)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Shodai (O)
Takakeisho (O) beat Kotonowaka (M2)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Meisei (M2)

Day 5:
Mitoryu (M16) beat Hiradoumi (M16)
Atamifuji (J3) beat Yutakayama (M14)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Oho (M13) beat Terutsuyoshi (M15)
Okinoumi (M12) beat Ryuden (M12)
Kotoshoho (M11) beat Ichiyamamoto (M13)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Chiyotairyu (M11)
Myogiryu (M9) beat Takanosho (M10)
Hokutofuji (M8) beat Kotoeko (M9)
Aoiyama (M7) beat Onosho (M7)
Endo (M6) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Sadanoumi (M5) beat Takarafuji (M5)
Takayasu (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (M6)
Midorifuji (M1) beat Nishigiki (M4)
Kiribayama (K) beat Ichinojo (K)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Daieisho (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Meisei (M2)
Mitakeumi (O) beat Ura (M3)
Kotonowaka (M2) beat Shodai (O)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Terunofuji (Y). KINBOSHI! That’s the 7th career Gold Star Victory for Tamawashi! There is yet another Kinboshi chance tomorrow because Terunofuji’s next scheduled opponent is Ura.
Leader: Tamawashi, Hokutofuji, Oho (5-0)

Juryo:
Day 4:
Tochimusashi (J14) beat Oshoma (J13)
Gonoyama (J12) beat Takakento (J14)
Kinbozan (J12) beat Tochimaru (J13)
Chiyosakae (J11) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Tokushoryu (J10)
Hokuseiho (J9) beat Kaisho (J9)
Kotokuzan (J7) beat Daiamami (J8)
Daishoho )(J8) beat Enho (J7)
Akua (J6) beat Hidenoumi (J5)
Churanoumi (J5) beat Bushozan (J4)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Chiyonokuni (J2)
Shimanoumi (J1) beat Tohakuryu (J3)
Atamifuji (J3) beat Chiyomaru (J1)

Day 5:
Oshoma (J13) beat Takakento (J14)
Tochimaru (J13) beat Gonoyama (J12)
Kinbozan (J12) beat Kitanowaka (J11)
Tochimusashi (J14) beat Chiyosakae (J11)
Kaisho (J9) beat Tokushoryu (J10)
Hokuseiho (J9) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Kotokuzan (J7) beat Daishoho (J8)
Churanoumi (J6) beat Daiamami (J8)
Enho (J7) beat Hidenoumi (J5)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Akua (J6)
Bushozan (J4) beat Chiyonokuni (J2)
Tohakuryu (J3) beat Chiyomaru (J1)
Azumaryu (J2) beat Shimanoumi (J1)
Leader: Churanoumi, Tochimusashi (5-0)

Asanoyama Watch: The former Ozeki, now at Makushita 15, went to 2-0 on Day 4 with an easy win against Tochikamiyama yesterday. That’s 9 straight wins since his post-suspension comeback began in July. No match today. Next match is tomorrow on Day 6 against Hokutenkai.