Tag: sumo

It’s the even-month moment sumo fans have been waiting for: The Nihon Sumo Kyokai (Japan Sumo Association) has announced the Banzuke (Rankings) for the November 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament. Below are the rankings for the top 2 tiers (Makuuchi & Juryo) and notable lower rankings:
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Yokozuna-Terunofuji
Ozeki-Shodai (K), Takakeisho
Sekiwake-Mitakeumi, Wakatakakage, Hoshoryo
Komusubi-Tamawashi (September Tournament Champion), Kiribayama, Tobizaru, Daieisho
Maegashira 1-Takayasu, Kotonowaka
Maegashira 2-Meisei, Ichinojo
Maegashira 3-Ura, Midorifuji
Maegashira 4-Wakamotoharu, Sadanoumi
Maegashira 5-Hokutofuji, Nishikifuji
Maegashira 6-Nishikigi, Ryuden
Maegashira 7-Endo, Myogiryu
Maegashira 8-Takarafuji, Tochinoshin
Maegashira 9-Takanosho, Abi
Maegashira 10-Aoiyama, Chiyoshoma
Maegashira 11-Onosho, Kotoshoho
Maegashira 12-Kotoeko, Chiyotairyu
Maegashira 13-Okinoumi, Oho
Maegashira 14-Ichiyamamoto, Azumaryu
Maegashira 15-Kagayaki, Atamifuji
Maegashira 16-Terutsuyoshi, Hiradoumi
Of note: As has almost always been the case since reaching the second-highest ranking, Shodai is yet again in Kadoban status, meaning he must win at least 8 matches or he will be demoted. Mitakeumi was demoted from Ozeki but can earn promotion back up if he can win at least 10 matches. Takakeisho has won at least 10 matches in 2 straight tournaments, including a runner-up finish in July, but probably can’t get into Yokozuna consideration unless he wins the tournament with at least 13 wins. Wakatakakage needs at least 11 wins for potential Ozeki consideration, best-case would be a championship. Tamawashi, the September champion, jumped up to Komusubi. Runner-up Takayasu moved back up to Maegashira 1, alongside Kotonowaka who just missed Sanyaku based on the numbers. July champion Ichinojo struggled in September and falls back to Maegashira 2 alongside Meisei, who is steadily moving back up after dropping from Sekiwake to the bottom of the top tier. Abi, who missed the September tournament due to injuries, dropped all the way to Maegashira 9. At the bottom, Atamifuji will make his top-tier debut in November at Maegashira 15, needing just 11 tournaments and less than 2 years to get there (he’s had only one losing tournament in his career, 7-8 in March when he made his Juryo debut). Terutsuyoshi managed to hand on for one more tournament in the top tier, so fans won’t have to show up earlier for his epic salt throws.

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Tohakuryu, Chiyomaru
Juryo 2-Churanoumi, Bushozan
Juryo 3-Tsurugisho, Mitoryu
Juryo 4-Hiradoumi, Yutakayama
Juryo 5-Akua, Chiyonokuni
Juryo 6-Hokuseiho, Kitanowaka
Juryo 7-Tochimusashi (September Tournament Champion), Kinbozan
Juryo 8-Shimanoumi, Kotokuzan
Juryo 9-Daiamami, Daishoho
Juryo 10-Chiyosakae, Kaisho
Juryo 11-Enho, Takakento
Juryo 12-Tokushoryu, Oshoma
Juryo 13-Shimazuumi, Roga
Juryo 14-Tsushimanada, Gonoyama
Of note: September Champion Tochimusashi & runner-up Kinbozan both settle in at Juryo 7. Tochimusashi could’ve moved up higher but after clinching the title before his Day 13 match he lost his last 2 matches. Russian rikishi Roga will be making his Juryo debut at Juryo 13. Shimanoumi, coming off another tough tournament with only 4 wins (although much better than the only one-win July), fell further from Juryo 1 down to Juryo 9. At Juryo 1, Tohakuryu has a chance to make his top-tier debut in January with a winning record, while Chiyomaru will be looking to return to the top tier. Finally, after a losing July tournament fan favorite Enho is at Juryo 11. Finally, an interesting side note-Juryo 9 sees two wrestlers from the same beya (stable). Normally those ranked wrestlers would face each other on the first day but that will not happen as the only way stablemates can face each other in a tournament is should it be needed to decide the championship.
Lower tier notes:
Asanoyama Watch-the former Ozeki moved up to Makushita 4 from Makushita 15 after a 6-1 September tournament. A 5 win or better tournament should get him to Juryo in January.
September Makushita Champion Daiseiryu leaped up from Makushita 38 to Makushita 3. Kawazoe, the human slinky who made an incredible first impression in his debut loss to Asanoyama, managed a winning record in his debut tournament and moves up 2 spots to Makushita 13. If former top tier mainstay Ishiura is able to return this tournament after being out most of this year due to injury, he would do so at Makushita 50. September Sandanme Champion Oshoumi makes his Makushita return with a massive move up to Makushita 54. He was demoted from Makushita 21 to Jonidan after withdrawing in January for an 0-7 equivalent then missed the following 2 tournaments.
Only 90 rankings in the Sandamne once again instead of the traditional 100, Notable at Sandanme 43 is Takahashi, the September Jonidan Champion. The Jonidan will be a little leaner this time around with 102 ranks, down a bit from recently, September Jonokuchi Champion Otani will be at Jonidan 14. Finally, the bottom Jonokuchi will have 16 ranks with 32 total wrestlers. One notable name at the bottom is Kyokutaisei, who has been as high as Maegashira 6-he has not had a winning tournament since July 2021and has missed some or all of the last 5 tournaments (absent the last 3). He will be at Jonokuchi 5 and can’t really go any lower.

The November Tournament is scheduled for 11/13-11/27 at Fukuoka Convention Center in Fukuoka.

UPDATE: Here are some of the notable ranking notes/topics from the Nihon Sumo Kyokai:
Mitakeumi is the first Ozeki to be demoted since September 2021 (Asanoyama was demoted after the second tournament of a one year suspension for violating coronavirus protocols and dishonesty when questioned about it).
Tamawashi is the 3rd-oldest rikishi ever to be ranked in Sanyaku at just a few days short of 38. He is at Komusubi, just below his highest career ranking of Sekiwake. The iron man of sumo has only missed 2 days in his career, both in July when his entire beya was forced to withdraw due to coronavirus protocols (if one member of a stable got the virus, the entire stable had to withdraw).
Tobizaru makes his Sanyaku debut in November. In terms of number of career tournaments from Debut to Sanyaku, Tobizaru is the second-slowest to reach Komusubi at 46 tournamnets (just under 8 years).
The last time 3 Sekiwake and 4 Komusubi made up Sanyaku in a tournament was all the way back in 1974. The last time there was a 7 wrestler Sanyaku Tournament was November 1992.
Making it to the top tier in just his 12th tournament, Atamifuji has tied for 8th-fastest to reach Makuuchi for the first time in his career.
Roga is the 6th rikishi from Russia to reach Juryo. The last one was Amuru in 2012.
Tsushimanada is the 5th-slowest rikishi to reach Juryo following his debut, including those who began their careers during their student years (high school-some rikishi debut as young as 15-16), taking 38 tournaments (just over 6 years) to reach the second tier.

Here are the final standings from the Top 2 Tiers of the September 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo, based on the Banzuke (Rankings) going in, and some thoughts on how the November Banzuke will look (records are in win-loss-absent [if applicable] format, absent is treated as a loss for ranking purposes):
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Yokozuna-Terunofuji (5-5-5)
Ozeki-Takakeisho (10-5), Shodai (4-11), Mitakeumi (4-11)
Sekiwake-Wakatakakage (11-4), Hoshoryu (8-7), Daieisho (7-8)
Komusubi: Abi (Absent, 0-0-15), Ichonojo (6-9), Kiribayama (9-6)
Maegashira 1-Tobizaru (10-5), Midorifuji (7-8)
Maegashira 2-Kotonowaka (8-7), Meisei (8-7)
Maegashira 3-Tamawashi (13-2, CHAMPION), Ura (8-7)
Maegashira 4-Nishikigi (6-9), Takayasu (11-4)
Maegashira 5-Takaraduji (5-10), Sadanoumi (9-6)
Maegashira 6-Wakamotoharu (10-5), Endo (7-8)
Maegashira 7-Aoiyama (6-9), Onosho (5-10)
Maegashira 8-Tochinoshin (7-8), Hokutofuji (10-5)
Maegashira 9-Myogiryu (8-7), Kotoeko (6-9)
Maegashira 10-Nishikifuji (10-5), Takanosho (8-7)
Maegashira 11-Kotoshoho (7-8), Chiyotairyu (6-9)
Maegashira 12-Okinoumi (6-9), Ryuden (11-4)
Maegashira 13-Ichiyamamoto (6-9), Oho (7-8)
Maegashira 14-Chiyoshoma (9-6), Yutakayama (4-11)
Maegashira 15-Terutsuyoshi (6-9), Tsurugisho (5-10)
Maegashira 16-Mitoryu (5-10), Hiradoumi (7-8)
Those with a winning record (8-7 or better) stand to be promoted and move up in the rankings (except Sekiwake, Ozeki & Yokozuna) while those with a losing record (7-8 or worse) stand to be demoted and move down (except Yokozuna). As a Yokozuna, Terunofuji can never be demoted even though he finishes the equivalent of 5-10 due to having to withdraw after Day 9 due to injuries. A big Sanyaku shakeup is coming again because, after an unusual 3rd straight losing tournament at that rank, Mitakeumi will be demoted from Ozeki to Sekiwake (normally an Ozeki is demoted after 2 straight losing tournaments, but due to massive coronavirus-related withdrawals in July Mitakeumi got a second chance in Kadoban status, which is when an Ozeki has a losing record-another losing record in the next tournament and you lose the rank). But he can get back to Ozeki with at least 10 wins in November. Shodai will also be Kadoban for the 5th time, and he has been there every possible time this year with alternating winning and losing tournaments (in fact, he has had no consecutive winning tournaments since May-November 2021, and based on his career records he has had a winning record in only 7 of 12 tournaments since promotion to Ozeki after winning the September 2020 Tournament). Takakeisho will remain a full Ozeki. While there have been rumblings of Wakatakakage being in consideration for Ozeki promotion, based on his last 3 tournaments I think he is 2 wins short of it this time. The criteria for making Ozeki as a Sekiwake is either win 2 straight tournaments OR 3 consecutive winning records with a cumulative total of at least 30 wins-Wakatakakage won the March tournament but, in both qualifying periods since promotion to Sekiwake in March, has managed only 28 wins. Hoshoryu will stay Sekiwake but Daieisho will be demoted. Ichinojo, the July champion, will be demoted from Komusubi, probably to Maegashira 3, Abi likely will be demoted while Kiribayama has a chance for promotion to Sekiwake. In the rank-and-file Maegashira, Tobizaru should be promoted to Sanyaku, as should new champion Tamawashi. Midorifuji will be demoted from M1, with Kotonowaka & Meisei possibly moving up to M1 (would be a career best for Kotonowaka). Ura should move up to M2 along with tournament runner-up Takayasu. Wakamotoharu will move up a few spots and move perhaps closer to a someday showdown between the Waka Bros (extremely unlikely because they are brothers and they are from the same beya, this probably would only happen if it was to decide the championship) while Hokutofuji will make a nice move up after a 10-5 finish, but he struggled mightily down the stretch after a 9-0 start. Towards the bottom, Ryuden will make a nice move up after an 11-4 mark in his top-tier return from M12 while everyone at M14 and below, with the exception of 9-6 Chiyoshoma, will either be demoted to or is in danger of demotion to Juryo. A real bummer for M15 Terutsuyoshi as fans would have to arrive earlier to witness his epic salt throws. Mitoryu won his top-tier debut match but unfortunately is headed back to Juryo for now. Same for Hiradoumi, but he could be back sooner as he managed 7 wins so he should be back with 8 in November.

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Shimanoumi (4-11), Chiyomaru (7-8)
Juryo 2-Chiyonokuni (6-9), Azumaryu (9-6)
Juryo 3-Atamifuji (8-7), Tohakuryu (8-7)
Juryo 4-Kagayaki (9-6), Bushozan (8-7)
Juryo 5-Hidenoumi (8-7), Asanowaka (Absent, 0-1-14)
Juryo 6-Akua (8-7), Churanoumi (9-6)
Juryo 7-Kotokuzan (7-8), Enho (6-9)
Juryo 8-Daiamami (7-8), Daishoho (7-8)
Juryo 9-Hokuseiho (9-6), Kaisho (7-8)
Juryo 10-Shimazuumi (6-9), Tokushoryu (7-8)
Juryo 11-Chiyosakae (8-7), Kitanowaka (10-5)
Juryo 12-Gonoyama (6-9), Kinbozan (10-5)
Juryo 13-Oshoma (8-7), Tochimaru (2-13)
Juryo 14-Tochimusashi (11-4, CHAMPION), Takakento (9-6)
Juryo was surprisingly competitive, as just 3 of the 28 finished with more than 9 wins and only 5 others even managed 9 wins. When you drill down even further, roughly half the division was 8-7 or 7-8 (13 in all). As the champion in his Juryo debut, Tochimusashi will make a big move up, but it could have been bigger had he not lost his final 2 matches. I predict he’ll land at roughly J5. Also making a likely big move up is Kinbozan, the first rikishi from Kazakhstan to reach the top 2 tiers-10 wins and a runner-up finish in his Juryo debut should move him up from J12 to around J7. At the top, a 9-6 mark at J2 gives Azumaryu a chance to return to the top tier, while Shimanoumi will continue his steep drop from top tier and fall further down the Juryo ranks. He did manage 4 wins but 3 came in the first few days. Figure on a fall to around J9. Asanowaka could completely fall out of Juryo after being absent. Also going down to Makushita is Tochimaru, the popular wrestler whose lightning-fast nonstop pushing/thrusting style makes for must-see sumo, he had a rough go ending 2-13 at J13.
Of note from the lower tiers-Roga, a rikishi from Russia who was Makushita 1, should make his Juryo debut in November after going 4-3. There could be an interesting backstory if he ever faces Makushita wrestler Shishi, who originally is from Ukraine and has become a fan favorite as a result. I’ll leave that there. Former Ozeki Asanoyama has a slim chance to reach Juryo after going 6-1 at Makushita 15, but I think he’ll settle in at perhaps Makushita 5, setting up a potential January Juryo return.
If you missed it, the day after the Banzuke was released former Sekiwake Kaisei retired, he still appeared despite not competing and would have been at Makushita 1. He became an oyakata, following in the footsteps of recent former oyakata Magaki (I think), who is now Heya (Stablemaster) Miyagino, previously the former Yokozuna Hakuho. It appears he will remain in Japan and move towards becoming a coach or stablemaster instead of returning to his native Brazil.

Unless there is major breaking news, sumo coverage here will resume at the end of October when the November Banzuke is announced on October 31 (Japan time).

9/28 UPDATE: The Nihon Sumo Kyokai (Japan Sumo Association) has announced the first list of retired rikishi post-tournament, all were in the lower half of the rankings. Most were Jonidan & Jonokuchi (the bottom 2 tiers) with a couple of Sandanme and 2 Makushita, including one notable name-Jokoryu, who was at Makushita 33 and competed in 15 top-tier tournaments in his career. His highest ranking was Komusubi in September 2014 and he won 5 career tournaments (1 Juryo, 1 Makushita, 2 Sandanme, 1 Jonokuchi) along with one Kinboshi. He had been in Makushita the last 6 tournaments without a winning record, including 1-6 in this tournament before he retired after his final match on Day 13.

Here are the quick results from Day 15-the Final Day-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):
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Yutakayama (M14)
Ichiyamamoto (M13) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Ryuden (M12) beat Terutsuyoshi (M15)
Kotoeko (M9) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Aoiyama (M7) beat Hiradoumi (M16)
Takaradufji (M6) beat Okinoumi (M12)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Chiyotairyu (M11)
Ura (M3) beat Oho (M13)
Meisei (M2) beat Kotohsoho (M11)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Kotonowaka (M2)
Mirodifuji (M1) beat Onosho (M7)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Takanosho (M10)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Takayasu (M4). TAMAWASHI YUSHO! Because of this win, Tamawashi is the September Tournament Champion!
Kiribiyama (K) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Tochinoshin (M8) beat Ichinojo (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Hokutofuji (M8)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Endo (M6)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Sadanoumi (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M6) beat Mitakeumi (O)
Takakeisho (O) beat Shodai (O)
CHAMPION: Tamawashi (13-2). 2nd career top-tier championship
Special Prizes:
Outstanding Performance (most wins by a Maegashira against Ozeki & Yokozuna ranks): Tobizaru, Tamawashi
Fighting Spirit: Takayasu
Technique (most different winning techniques throughout the tournament): Wakatakakage

Juryo:
Kinbozan (J12) beat Tochimusashi (J14)
Tsukahara (Ms4) beat Gonoyama (J12)
Chiyosakae (J11) beat Enho (J7)
Oshoma (J13) beat Kotokuzan (J7)
Akua (J6) beat Tokushoryu (J10)
Hidenoumi (J5) beat Kaisho (J9)
Bushozan (J4) beat Daiamami (J8)
Churanoumi (J6) beat Kagayaki (J4)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J3)
Takakento (J14) beat Atamifuji (J3)
Azumaryu (J2) beat Hokuseiho (J9)
Chiyonokuni (J2) beat Tochimaru (J13)
Chiyomaru (J1) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Daishoho (J8) beat Shimanoumi (J1)
CHAMPION: Tochimusashi (11-4). 1st career championship. But he lost his last 2 matches after clinching before his Day 13 match, allowing Kinbozan and Kitanowaka to almost catch up. Of note is that Kinbozan, the first rikishi from Kazakhastan to reach this rank, was a solid 10-5 in his Juryo debut.

Asanoyama Watch: The former Ozeki easily won his final match to finish 6-1 at Makushita 15, so he will be promoted again. It’s very unlikely he reaches Juryo in November though. Asanoyama is 13-1 since returning from a 1-year suspension that cost him his Ozeki rank.

Other Champions:
Makushita: Daiseiryu (Ms36), 7-0. 1st career Championship. He should stay in Makushita but is in a position to reach Juryo in January
Sandanme: Oshoumi (Sandanme 78), 7-0. 2nd career Championship. He has a chance to return to Makushita after falling all the way to Jonidan because he essentially missed 3 straight tournaments (only had one match in January before withdrawing).
Jonidan: Takahashi (Jonidan 74), 7-0. 2nd career Championship in just 2 tournaments (won Jonokuchi in his Debut in July). He should be promoted to the Sandanme in November
Jonokuchi: Otani (Jonokuchi 16), 7-0. 1st career Championship. This was his Debut tournament. He’ll be promoted to Jonidan

The next tournament is the November Tournament from 11/13-11/27 at Fukuoka International Center in Fukuoka, Japan. Advance tickets are now on sale. The Banzuke (Rankings) will be announced on October 31.

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.