Tag: sumo

The Nihon Sumo Kyokai has announced the full Banzuke (Rankings) for the September 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo. A full list of the top 2 tiers will come later today, but here are some of the big early points of note:
First, the hottest topic perhaps…Despite a second straight losing tournament, Mitakeumi stays at Ozeki and presumably remains in Kadoban status. Mitakeumi was 2-6 in July before being forced to withdraw due to a coronavirus outbreak in his beya (stable). That means the equivalent of 2-13, which for a Kadoban Ozeki normally means demotion. Shodai & Takakeisho are out of Kadoban again and there is perhaps a chance of Yokozuna consideration for Takakeisho if he can win the tournament with at least 13 wins.
July Champion Ichinojo, coming off his first tournament championship, moves up to Komosubi from Maegashira 2.
Hoshoryu is promoted to Sekiwake for the first time, joining holdovers Wakatakakage & Daieisho at the 3rd-highest rank. Wakatakakage, the March Champion, just missed potential Ozeki promotion by one or two wins in July.
Kiribayama returns to Komosubi along with Ichinojo and Abi.
Midorifuji is the big mover up, leaping all the way up to Maegashira 1. July Juryo Champion Ryuden is finally back in the top tier as expected, coming in at Maegashira 12.
Demotions to Juryo include Shinanoumi to Juryo 1 after a disastrous 1-14 July, Chiyomaru to J1, and Daiamami to J8. Only 16 Maegashira ranks because Sanyaku additions took two bottom spots away. Elsewhere in Juryo, Kinbozan becomes what is believed to be the first rikishi from Kazakhstan to reach the top two tiers, debuting at Juryo 12 and needing just 6 tournaments to get there.
Amidst rumors it might spell the end of his career, longtime top-tier stalwart Kaisei was demoted to Makushita 1 and, in breaking news, has now retired. The Brazilian ranked as high as Sekiwake and won 1 championship in Juryo. He will now become Oyakata Tomozuna and go through training to become a mentor and perhaps eventually a stablemaster, following in the path of Yokozuna Hakuho, who became Oyakata Magaki after retiring last year.
Former Ozeki Asanoyama, who went a perfect 7-0 and won the Sandanme tournament in his return in July, takes a rocket flight up from Sandanme 22 to Makushita 15. Another 7-0 performance could get him back to Juryo in November. Ishiura, formerly in the top tier but out the last 2 tournaments due to injury, drops to Makushita 10. July Makushita Champion Yoshii makes the usual big leap up and just missed reaching Juryo, he’ll try to get there next time from Makushita 3.

The September Tournament runs from 9/11-9/25 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.

UPDATE 1: There is also a name change to report-Kanno, who is making his Juryo debut at Juryo 14, will now be known as Tochimusashi. There have been two other renamings in the Sandanme and one in the Jonidan.

UPDATE 2: Here is the September Banzuke for the top 2 tiers;
Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Terunofuji
Ozaki-Mitakeumi (Kadoban), Shodai, Takakeisho
Sekiwake-Wakatakakage, Daieisho, Hoshuryu
Komosubi-Abi, Ichinojo (July Tournament Champion), Kiribayama
Maegashira 1-Tobizaru, Midorifuji
Maegashira 2-Kotonowaka, Meisei
Maegashira 3-Tamawashi, Ura
Maegashira 4-Nishigiki, Takayasu
Maegashira 5-Takarafuji, Sadanoumi
Maegashira 6-Wakamotoharu, Endo
Maegashira 7-Aoiyama, Onosho
Maegashira 8-Tochinoshin, Hokutofuji
Maegashira 9-Myogiryu, Kotoeko
Maegashira 10-Nishikifuji, Takanosho
Maegashira 11-Kotoshoho, Chiyotairyu
Maegashira 12-Okinoumi, Ryuden (July Juryo Champion)
Maegashira 13-Ichiyamamoto, Oho
Maegashira 14-Chiyoshoma, Yutakayama
Maegashira 15-Terutsuyoshi, Tsurugisho
Maegashira 16-Mitoryu, Hiradoumi

Juryo (2nd tier):
Juryo 1-SHimanoumi, Chiyomaru
Juryo 2-Chiyonokuni, AzUmaryu
Juryo 3-Atamifuji, Tohakuryu
Juryo 4-Kagayaki, Bushozan
Juryo 5-Hidenoumi, Asanowaka
Juryo 6-Akua, Churanoumi
Juryo 7-Kotokuzan, Enho
Juryo 8-Daiamami, Daishoho
Juryo 9-Hokuseiho, Kaisho
Juryo 10-Shimazuumi, Tokushoryu
Juryo 11-Chiyosakae, Kitanowaka
Juryo 12-Gonoyama, Kinbozan
Juryo 13-Oshoma, Tochimaru
Juryo 14-Tochimusashi (name change-formerly Kanno), Takakento
Notable Makushita: Kaisei (Makushita 1-RETIRED), Yoshii (July Makushita Champion-Makushita 3), Asanoyama (July Sandanme Champion-Makushita 15)
Once again there are only 90 ranks in the Sandanme instead of 100. There are 107 ranks in the Jonidan (and many now at least get mug shots/profile pics on the banzuke!), and 19 ranks in the Jonokuchi with an odd number of inexperienced or debuting wrestlers.

Here are the quick results from Day 15-the Final Day of the July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament from Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira; K-Komusubi; S-Sekiwake; O-Ozeki; Y-Yokozuna; J-Juryo (2nd tier)
Makuuchi (Top tier)
Onosho (M15) beat Chiyonokuni (J5)
Hidenoumi (J1) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Ryuden (J1)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Shimanoumi (M9)
Yutakayama (M16) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Hokutofuji (M7) by default/withdrawal
Chiyomaru (M17) beat Okinoumi (M7) by default/withdrawal
Terutsuyoshi (M12) beat Aoiyama (M6)
Sadanoumi (M5) beat Oho (M15)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Chiyotairyu (M10)
Ichinojo (M2) beat Ura (M3). Takakeisho cannot win the championship
Kiribayama (M1) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Meisei (M10) beat Abi (K)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Hoshoryu (K)
SHodai (O) beat Wakatakakage (S). No Ozeki for Wakatakakage, only 29 wins the last 3 tournaments (need 30)
Takakeisho (O) beat Terunofuji (Y). ICHINOJO YUSHO!
WITHDRAWALS: Hokutofuji (M7), Okinoumi (M7). Coronavirus.
CHAMPION: Ichinojo (M2) (13-2). 1st career championship
SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (most wins against Ozeki & Yokozuna by non-Sanyaku rank): Ichinojo
Fighting Spirit (best performance overall by low rank): Nishikifuji
Technique (most different winning techniques used): NONE

Juryo:
Oki (Makushita 13) beat Yago (J12)
Akiseyama (Makushita 6) beat Tochimaru (J11)
Kaisei (J11) beat Chiyoarashi (Makushita 5)
Enho (J8) beat Kitanowaka (J12)
Kotokuzan (J7) beat Gonoyama (J14)
Hokuseiho (J13) beat Bushozan (J7)
Atamifuji (J6) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
Hiradoumi (J8) beat Tokushoryu (J5)
Churanoumi (K9) beat Asanowaka (J4)
Akua (J7) beat Kagayaki (J3)
CHAMPION: Ryuden (J1) (12-3). 2nd Juryo Championship and 7th career championship
Makushita Champion: Yoshii (Makushita 38)
Sandanme Champion: Asanoyama (Sandanme 22)
Jonidan Champion: Hitoshi (Jonidan 62)
Jonokuchi Champion: Takahashi (Jonokuchi 17)

The July Tournament has now come to a close. The next tournament is the September Tournament from 9/11-9/25 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Tickets go on sale August 6 and the Banzuke is scheduled to be announced on August 29. A full tournament recap post and final standings is coming soon.

Here are the quick results from Day 14 of the July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament from Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira; K-Komusubi; S-Sekiwake; O-Ozeki; Y-Yokozuna; J-Juryo (2nd tier)
Makuuchi (Top tier)
Onosho (M15) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Ryuden (J1) beat Myogiryu (M4).RYUDEN JURYO YUSHO!
Asanowaka (J4) beat Terutsuyoshi (M12)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Hidenoumi (J1)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Oho (M15)
Kagayaki (J3) beat Shimanoumi (M9)
Yutakayama (M16) beat Okinoumi (M7)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Aoiyama (M6)
Sadanoumi (M5) beat Chiyomaru (M17)
Ura (M3) beat HOkutofuji (M7)
Meisei (M10) beat Ichinojo (M2)
Kiribayama (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Hoshoryu (K) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Abi (K) beat Chiyotairyu (M10)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Takakeisho (O)
Shodai (O) beat Terunofuji (Y)
Leader: Terunofuji (11-3), Ichinojo (11-3), Takakeisho (10-4). IT’S NOT OVER YET! Shodai gave us a very exciting final day! The key matches tomorrow are Ichinojo first vs. Ura. Then in the final match of the tournament it’s Terunofuji vs. Takakeisho. If Ichinojo wins, Terunofuji must win to force a playoff vs. Ichinojo for the championship-if Takakeisho wins, Ichinojo is the champion. If Ichinojo loses, Terunofuji is the champion for the 2nd straight tournament with a win, but if Takakeisho wins, we would have a 3-WAY PLAYOFF! Takakeisho cannot win the championship outright (there are no tiebreakers in sumo for championships).

Juryo:
Hokuseiho (J13) beat Gonoyama (J14)
Kanno (Makushita 2) beat Kaisei (J11)
Tochimaru (J11) beat Roga (Makushita 2)
Akua (J7) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
Kotokuzan (J7) beat Kamito (Makushita 3)
Kitanowaka (J12) beat Atamifuji (J6)
Churanoumi (J9) beat Bushozan (J6)
Hiradoumi (J8) beat Chiyonokuni (J5)
Tokushoryu (J5) beat Yago (J12)
Enho (J8) beat Mitoryu (J5)
Leader: Ryuden (12-2). It’s over because second place Hokuseiho is 10-4. Ryuden is the Juryo Champion! It’s his second Juryo championship (the first came in March) and 7th overall. He now has a title in every division except the top tier. He will stay in Makuuchi tomorrow and face Takarafuji in his final match, which might make his promotion even better and add anothe rank or two to his jpmp.

Lower tier notes:
Everything is settled except Jonokuchi. There are just 2 matches there tomorrow, then we should have a playoff between Kazuto & Takahashi, both 6-1, for the championship.

Early Day 15 UPDATE: There may not be a Jonokuchi champion. No champion is listed.
The Special Prizes for the top tier are as follows:
Outstabnding Performance: Ichinojo
Fighting Spirit: Nishikifuji, CONDITIONALLY
Technique: TBA if any

Here are the quick results from Day 13 of the July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament from Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira; K-Komosubi; S-Sekiwake; O-Ozeki; Y-Yokozuna; J-Juryo (2nd tier)
Makuuchi (Top tier)
Oho (M15) beat Terutsuyoshi (M12)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Yutakayama (M16)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Meisei (M10)
Onosho (M15) beat Chiyotairyu (M10)
Chiyomaru (M17) beat Shimanoumi (M9)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Ichinojo (M2) beat Nishigiki (M8) by default/withdrawal
Kiribayama (M1) beat Okinoumi (M7)
Abi (K) beat HOkutofuji (M7)
Hoshoryu (K) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Takakeisho (O) beat Shodai (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Sadanoumi (M5) beat Daiamami (M16) by default/withdrawal
Takarafuji (M12) beat Endo (M5) by default/withdrawal
Ura (M3) beat Tamawashi (M3) by default/withdrawal
Aoiyama (M6) beat Daieisho (S) by default/withdrawal
Leader: Terunofuji, Ichinojo (11-2), Takakeisho (10-3). On Day 14, Terunofuji faces Shodai, Ichinojo has the easiest of the top 3 on paper in Meisei, Takakeisho gets Wakatakakage. It also appears that Wakatakakage will not earn promotion to Ozeki, even winning out leaves him with 9 wins and while that’s the minimum 30 over 3 tournaments (and he has one championship), today’s loss to Terunofuji probably ended this bid. He could still earn promotion next time with at least 12 wins.
WITHDWARALS: Daieisho (S), Tamawashi (M3), Endo (M5), Tobizaru (M6), Nishigiki (M8), Tsutugisho (M14), Daiamami (M16). All coronavirus related (outbreaks in beyas/stables). That’s the second withdrawal this tournament for Daiamami.

Juryo:
Takakento (Makushita 1) beat Yago (J12)
Kitanowaka (J12) beat Hiradoumi (J8)
Churanoumi (J9) beat Akua (J7)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Bushozan (J6)
Tochimaru (J11) beat Tokushoryu (J5)
Chiyonikuni (J5) beat Kotokuzan (J7
Asanowaka (J4) beat Gonoyama (J14)
Kaisei (J11) beat Daishoho (J3) by default/withdrawal
Atamifuji (J6) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Enho (J8) beat Hiraodumi (J1)
Ryuden (J1) beat Hokuseiho (J13)
WITHDRAWAL: Daishoho (J3). Coronavirus outbreak in beya.
Leader: Ryuden (11-2). If Ryuden wins tomorrow (will be in the top tier) or both Hokuseiho and Chiyosakae lose, Ryuden is the Juryo champion. Hokuseiho is scheduled to face Gonoyama in the first match, Chiyosakae has Akua so Ryuden will know his fate before his top tier match against Myogiryu.

Lower tier notes:
Aaanoyama Watch: The former Ozeki capped off a 7-0 return by winning the Sandanme Championship with a win against Daiseizan. Asanoyama will be promoted to Makushita after his 3rd career title. He’ll be part of the victory ceremony on the Final Day, but match-wise his tournament is complete-no matches on the final 2 days.
The Makushita Champion is Yoshii, who finishes 7-0 after beating Juryo-bound Kinbozan in their final match. However, it was close because the referee declared Kinbozan the winner, but after a Mono-Ii (Judges’ conference) the referee’s verdict was overturned. Replays showed that, unfortunately for the Kazakhstan-born Kinbozan, it was the right decision because Kinbozan clearly touched the ground first as both were going down on a throw by Yoshii. Regardless, Kinbozan will be a Juryo man as he was a Makushita 1, as for Yoshii it’s a toss-up as he was a Makushita 38. Most likely will stay in Makushita at around a 3 to a 5 in September.
In the bottom tier Jonokuchi, nobody will go 7-0 and it looks like Kazuto & Takahashi, both making their debuts this tournament, will have a playoff for the championship.

Here are the quick results from Day 12 of the July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament from Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira; K-Komosubi; S-Sekiwake; O-Ozeki; Y-Yokozuna; J-Juryo (2nd tier)
Makuuchi (Top tier)
Yutakayama (M16) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Onosho (M15) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Daiamami (M16)
Chiyomaru (M17) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Chiyotairyu (M10)
Meisei (M10) beat Oho (M15)
Tochinoshin (M8) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Endo (M5) beat Shimanoumi (M9)
Sadanoumi (M6) beat Terutsuyoshi (M12)
Tamawashi (m3) beat Tsuturisho (M14)
Ichinojo (M2) beat Tobizaru (M6)
Kiribayama (M1) beat Ura (M3)
Hoshoryu (K) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Abi (K) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Okinoumi (M7)
Takakeisho (O) beat Nishigiki (M6)
Shodai (O) beat Aoiyama (M6)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Daieisho (S)
WITHDRAWALS: Tamawashi (M3), Nishigiki (M8) are both out ahead of Day 13. Unknown (no indication of other members of their respective beya withdrawing so hard to say if it’s coronavirus or injury). That means Ichinojo gets a freebie and will stay a co-leader or potentially the leader as he was to have faced Nishigiki, who at least earned promotion already. Tamawashi being out means Ura avoids potential demotion tomorrow and Tamawashi will be demoted.
Leader: Terunofuji, Ichinojo (10-2)
Notes: No more Kadoban for Shodai! His 7th straight win was #8 meaning he will be a full-fledged Ozeki again in September. Both Shodai & Takakeisho will remain in that status. If Wakatakakage can win his last 3, he has a decent chance at promotion to Ozeki. We’re still trending towards a Mongolian final day for the title, but Takakeisho is in position to sneak in and steal it should both Terunofuji & Ichinojo lose before then.
Tomorrow on Day 13, it’s the Ozeki Showdown-Takakeisho vs. Shodai. Terunofuji has Wakatakakage while Ichinojo gets a free win because Nishigiki is out.

Juryo:
Gonoyama (J14) beat Kaisho (J9) by default/withdrawal
Churanoumi (J9) beat Yago (J12)
Tochimaru (J11) beat Enho (J8)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Kotokuzan (J7)
Hokuseiho (J13) beat Atamifuji (J6)
Chiyonokuni (J5) beat Kitanowaka (J12)
Asanowaka (J4) beat Kaisei (J11)
Akua (J6) beat Mitoryu (J4)
Daishoho (J3) beat Tokushoryu (J5)
Ryusen (J1) beat Hiradoumi (J4)
Bushozan (J4) beat Hidenoumi (J1)
WITHDRAWAL: Kaisho (J9). Unknown.
Leader: Ryuden (10-2). If Ryuden beats Hokuseiho tomorrow, it’s all but over. Ryuden can’t win the title outright but at worst it would be a rematch in a playoff because Ryuden would be 2 wins ahead with 2 days to go.

Lower tier notes:
Asanoyama Watch: No match today. He goes for a perfect 7-0 shortly on Day 13 against Daiseizan, a Sandanme 67 who is also 6-0. The other Sandanme who was 6-0 as of this post has lost his final match, so if Asanoyama wins he is the Sandanme Champion. It would be his first Sandanme title and 3rd career (1 top tier/Emperor’s Cup and 1 Makushita).
And we have our first Champion as of this post-Hitoshi is the Jonidan Champion, finishing a perfect 7-0. He was a Jonidan 62 coming in, meaning he likely will be promoted to the Sandanme in September. It’s his 2nd career championship, both in Jonidan-he won in his second tournament as a Jonidan 63 and reached the Sandanme, but went down to Jonokuchi due to missing the next 3 tournaments. He’ll get a second chance in Septmmber if all goes well.
The Makushita main event on Day 13 will determine the champion as Kinbozan faces Yoshii, both are 6-0.
BREAKING UPDATE: ASANOYAMA YUSHO! Asanoyama beat Daiseizan to finish 7-0 and become the July Sandanme Champion! The former Ozeki claims his 3rd career overall title and is headed up to Makushita in September. He probably is still, at best, 4 tournaments away from returning to the top tier which would mean maybe next May.
BREAKING DAY 13 UPDATE: Daieisho has WITHDRAWN. Unknown why yet. This means the Sekiwake will be demoted as he will finish with fewer than 8 wins.

Here are the quick results from Day 10 of the July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament from Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira; K-Komosubi; S-Sekiwake; O-Ozeki; Y-Yokozuna; J-Juryo (2nd tier)
Makuuchi (Top tier)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Yutakayama (M16)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Chiyomaru (M17)
Oho (M15) beat Kotoshoho (M11)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Onosho (M15)
Meisei (M10) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Daiamami (M16) beat Shimanoumi (M9)
Tsurugisho (M14) beat Kotoeko (M9)
Terutsuyoshi (M12) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Nishigiki (M8) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Aoiyama (M6)
Tobizaru (M6) beat Chiyotairyu (M10)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Okinoumi (M7)
Ichinojo (M2) beat Tamawashi (M3)
Hoshoryu (K) beat Kotonowaka (M2)
Kiribayama (M1) beat Abi (K)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Endo (M5)
Takakeisho (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Shodai (O) beat Ura (M3)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Sadanoumi (M5)
WITHDRAWALS: Kotonowaka (M2), Kotoeko (M9), Kotoshoho (M11) all going into Day 11. Coronavirus related, their entire beya is out. Kotonowaka was a co-leader going into today.
Leader: Terunofuji, Ichinojo, Tobizaru, Nishigiki (8-2)

Juryo:
Yago (J12) beat Kanno (Makushita 2)
Kaisei (J11) beat Kitanowaka (J12)
Kaisho (J9) beat Tochimaru (J11)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Churanoumi (J6)
Hokuseiho (J13) beat Hidenoumi (J8)
Gonoyama (J14) beat Enho (J8)
Kotokuzan (J7) beat Asanowaka (J4)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Akua (J7) beat Daishoho (J3)
Tokushoryu (J5) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Bushozan (J6) beat Tokahuryu (J3)
Ryuden (J1) beat Atamifuji (J6)
Chiyonokuni (J5) beat Hidenoumi (J1)
WITHDRAWALS: Azumaryu (J2), Tohakuryu (J2). Coronavirus-related, their beya is out.
Leader: Ryuden (8-2). Ryuden will be PROMOTED back to the top tier in September.
Lower tier notes: Among others, all of Musashigawa Beya is now out of the tournament due to coronavirus issues. Apparently if a heya (stablemaster) tests positive for the virus, his ENTIRE stable must withdraw.
Asanoyama Watch: No match today as expected. On Day 11 (now underway) he will face Suguro, a Sandanme 39 rank rikishi who is also 5-0. (Late update: Asanoyama won to go to 6-0. There currently are 3 in the Sandanme at 6-0 so Asanoyama will either go for the championship or a playoff in his final match)

Here are the quick results from Day 9 of the July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament from Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira; K-Komosubi; S-Sekiwake; O-Ozeki; Y-Yokozuna; J-Juryo (2nd tier)
Makuuchi (Top tier)
Chiyomaru (M17) beat Hidenoumi (J1)
Tsurugisho (M14) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Yutakayama (M16)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Ichiyamamoto (M13) by default/withdrawal
Takarafuji (M12) beat Oho (M15)
Terutsuyoshi (M12) beat Daiamami (M16)
Kotoshoho (M11) beat Onosho (M15)
Nishigiki (m8) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Chiyotairyu (M10) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Okinoumi (M7) beat Meisei (M10)
Tobizaru (M6) beat Shimanoumi (M9)
Kotoeko (M9) beat Aoiyama (M6)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Sadanoumi (M5)
Ichinojo (M2) beat Kiribayama (M1)
Hoshoryu (K) beat Tamawashi (M2)
Daieisho (S) beat Ura (M3)
Kotonowaka (M2) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Shodai (O) beat Abi (K)
Takakeisho (O) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Endo (M6)
WITHDRAWAL: Ichiyamamoto (M13). Coronavirus-stablemaster tested positive so the entire beya/stable is out. He was a co-leader coming in.
Leader: Terunofuji, Kotonowaka, Ichinojo, Tobizaru, Nishigiki, Nishiikifuji (7-2)

Juryo:
Roga (Makushita 2) beat Hokuseiho (J13)
Tochimaru (J11) beat Shimazuumi (J10) by default/withdrawal
Kitanowaka (J12) beat Churanoumi (J9)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Enho (J8)
Hiradoumi (J8) beat Gonoyama (J14)
Yago (J12) beat Kotokuzan (J7)
Akua (J7) beat Kaisei (J11)
Bushozan (J6) beat Kaisho (J9)
Atamifuji (J6) beat Asanowaka (J4)
Kagayaki (J3) beat Daishoho (J3)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Chiyonokuni (J5) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Ryuden (J1) beat Tokushoryu (J5)
WITHDRAWAL: Shimazuumi (J10). Coronavirus-stablemaster tested positive so the entire beya/stable is out.
Leader: Ryuden, Hiradoumi (7-2)

Asanoyama Watch: Another easy win for the former Ozeki in the Sandanme to go to 5-0. At this point promotion to Makushita is guaranteed. No match on Day 10 (just about done in Sandanme as of this post)

BREAKING: Today’s Day 9 of the July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament has seen a huge shakeup before the top tier begins-Ichiyamamoto, a co-leader at 6-2, has WITHDRAWN. Unknown why but my first thought is coronavirus, maybe an outbreak at his beya (stable). His stablemate Shimazuumi is out of Juryo too. This means fellow co-leader Nishikifuji will get a free win and remain at least a co-leader, putting the Maegashira 17 one win from promotion. Japan is seeing another surge in virus cases and it may be accounting for numerous withdrawals at all ranks-it seems that everyone in both Dewanoumi and Naruto Beya is now out of the tournament.
More as it becomes available.

In other news, former Ozeki Asanoyama won his Day 9 match in the Sandanme, remaining a co-leader at 5-0. At Sandanme 22, promotion to Makushita is just about guaranteed in September no matter what.

Here are the quick results from Day 8 of the July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament from Nagoya, the halfway point:
Key: M-Maegashira; K-Komosubi; S-Sekiwake; O-Ozeki; Y-Yokozuna; J-Juryo (2nd tier)
Makuuchi (Top tier):
Onosho (M15) beat Daishoho (J3)
Oho (M15) beat Chiyomaru (M17)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Daiamami (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M13) beat Tsurugisho (M14)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Yutakayama (M16)
Terutsuyoshi (M12) beat Shimanoumi (M9)
Tochinoshin (M8) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Nishikigiki (M8) beat Kotoshoho (M11)
Chiyotairyu (M10) beat Okinoumi (M7)
Meisei (M10) beat Hokutofuji (M10)
Tobizaru (M6) beat Kotoeko (M9)
Ura (M3) beat Aoiyama (M6)
Kotonowaka (M2) beat Ichinojo (M2)
Hoshoryu (K) beat Kiribayama (M1)
Abi (K) beat Sadanoumi (M5)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Daieisho (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Endo (M5)
Shodai (O) beat Tamawashi (M3)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Wakamotoharu (M4). VERY CONTROVERSIAL MATCH. Was stopped to fix loose mawashi just as they began moving again, which denied Wakamotoharu a win and his first Kinboshi (gold star victory). Judges ordered it restarted from the point of stoppage and Terunofuji would win after the restart.
Leader: Terunofuji, Kotonowaka, Ichinojo, Tobizaru, Nishigiki, Ichiyamamoto, Nishikifuji (6-2)

Juryo:
Oshoma (J13) beat Tochimaru (J11)
Gonoyama (J14) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Kitanowaka (J12) beat Kaisho (J9)
Hokuseiho (J13) beat Churanoumi (J9)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Hiradoumi (J8)
Enho (J8) beat Yago (J12)
Kotokuzan (J7) beat Kaisei (J11)
Akua (J7) beat Asanowaka (J4)
Bushozan (J6) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Atamifuji (J6) beat Asanowaka (J2)
Tokushoryu (J5) beat Tokakuryu (J2)
Ryuden (J1) beat Chiyonokuni (J4)
Hidenoumi (J1) beat Mitoryu (J4)
Leader: Ryuden, Hiradoumi, Hokuseiho (6-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Oshoma is out starting tomorrow (Day 9). Unknown but given he won today and didn’t look injured, my first suspiciion is coronavirus. Withdrawals are piling up in the lower ranks too so there could be more outbreaks. Bad way to end Oshoma’s Juryo debut, he was 5-3 after today and could be going back to Makushita.
DEMOTION: Ishiura is the first official demotion in the top 2 tiers effective today. Pre-tournament withdrawal due to cervical cord/spine injury.
Asanoyama Watch: As expected, no match today.
Lower division notes: Makushita has 8 tied for the lead at 4-0, all have earned promotions. Asanoyama is among 10 in the Sandamne tied for the lead at 4-0. The Jonidan has 12 at 4-0, while the Jonokuchi has 2 at 4-0.

UPDATE: MAJOR early Day 9 Makuuchi development-Ichiyamamoto, one of the co-leaders at 6-2, has WITHDRAWN. More to come…