Tag: sumo

Now that the news cycle is starting to settle down after the May 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament ended last week, here are the final standings and noteworthy news items post-tournament:

Continue reading “Sumo-May 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament Final Standings & Post-Tournament News (Updated 6/3/24)”

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the May 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (top tier):
Roga (M15) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Hokutofuji (M11) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Ryuden (M14) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Oshoma (M14) beat Kinbozan (M10)
Shodai (M9) beat Tomokaze (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M12) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Nishikigi (M7) beat Tsurugisho (M17)
Meisei (M5) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Onosho (M5) beat Nishikifuji (M12)
Oho (M4) beat Midorifuji (M5)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Takayasu (M3) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Hiradoumi (M2) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Daieisho (M1) beat Kotoshoho (M8)
Takanosho (M8) beat Atamifuji (M1)
Ura (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Onosato (K) beat Abi (S). ONOSATO YUSHO!!!
Kotozakura (O) beat Hoshoryu (O)
CHAMPION: Onosato (12-3). First career Emperor’s Cup. 1st career championship
Final thoughts: This guarantees Onosato will be in Ozeki contention next time out, but since this was his first Sanyaku tournament he almost certainly must win the championship again to earn promotion. He’ll be at Sekiwake with a big head start towards the second highest rank. So close once again for Kotozakura as a late loss yesterday proved costly in another runner-up finish and Onosato winning ending hopes of what would have been a 4-way playoff with Abi & Daieisho included. With 10 wins this time Abi will have a slim chance at Ozeki promotion in July as well, but he’ll need to win the championship or finish with at least 14 wins. And thankfully Ura managed to win his final bout to cap off what was, on paper, an incredibly disappointing 7-8 finish, he started 6-0 and was the sole leader but then lost his next 8 to wind up with demotion. Just very bad luck.
We’ll be down to just 3 Ozeki in July as Kirishima will be demoted to Sekiwake and Takakeisho will be in kadoban status once again due to a very early injury withdrawal. Kirishima can be promoted back to Ozeki in September if he gets at least 10 wins at Sekiwake in July. Daieisho may be promoted back to Sekiwake along with Abi & Onosato, Wakamotoharu will be demoted from Sanyaku and Hiradoumi should be promoted to Komusubi for the first time in his career. Being demoted to Juryo for sure are Tsurugisho, Tomokaze and possibly Tokihayate, while Roga will be a toss-up after a 7-8 finish at M15.

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (best record with most wins vs. Yokozuna & Ozeki): Onosato. 2 others had a chance at the prize with wins but didn’t get it
Fighting Spirit (best display of fighting spirit among lower ranked wrestlers): Oshoma. Shonannoumi would’ve won this too with a win
Technique (winning record with best technique display): Onosato. 2nd straight prize
In fact, Onosato has now won FIVE Special Prizes in just the last 3 tournaments-1 Outstanding Performance, 2 Fighting Spirit and 2 Technique.

Juryo:
Nabatame (Ms2) beat Kazekeno (J14)
Kitaharima (Ms4) beat Chiyomaru (J13)
Kiryuko (Ms3) beat Oshoumi (J13)
Hakuoho (J8) beat Akua (Ms1)
Wakatakakage (J6) beat Tsushimanada (J12). WAKATAKAKAGE JURYO YUSHO!!!
Shirokuma (J6) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Aoiyama (J11)
Kagayaki (J5) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Onokatsu (J12) beat Asakoryu (J4)
Shimanoumi (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Chiyoshoma (J3) beat Tamashoho (J9)
Shiden (J10) beat Endo (J3)
Daishoho (J2) beat Chiyosakae (J9)
Bushozan (J2) beat Shishi (J7)
Hidenoumi (J8) beat Myogiryu (J1)
Shimazuumi (J7) beat Daiamami (J1)
CHAMPION: Waktakakakage (14-1). 5th career championship, first Juryo
Of note: 12 straight wins to finish and only a Day 3 loss to Kagayaki capped the former Sekiwake’s best post-injury tournament and will see him promoted back to the top tier as he won to deny rookie Onokatsu a playoff as Endo dropped out of it on the final day. Endo will also return to the top tier after one tournament down and, at 13-2 from J12 along with Chiyoshoma who went 12-3, Onokatsu will have a chance too. I think Onokatsu’s hopes depend on whether or not Roga is demoted down. Numbers may work against him so worst-case is probably J1. Kazekeno will be demoted to Makushita along with Oshoumi, Chiyomaru and possibly Myogiryu, who was demoted from the top tier and went 3-12 at J1. Hakuoho will also be dropped to neat the borttom of Juryo after essentially going 5-10, but he missed 5 days due to coronavirus.
From the Makushita, Kayo will be promoted to Juryo after going 5-2 at Ms1, Nabatame should be promoted with the same record at Ms2 while while Kiryuko, who did similar at Ms3, will have a chance too. Those who make it will be going up for the first time in their careers.

Sandanme:
Playoff-Kyokukaiyu (Sd87) beat Sadanohikari (Sd29). KYOKUKAIYU SANDANME YUSHO!!! 1st career championship in 3rd career tournament. May be promoted to Makushita in July.

Jonokuchi:
Playoff-Noda (Jk5) beat Seihakuho (Jk3). NODA JONOKUCHI YUSHO!!! 1st career championship in debut tournament.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi: Onosato (K). 1st career
Juryo: Wakatakakage (J6). 5th career, 1st Juryo
Makushita: Fujiseiun (Ms11). 4th career, 1st Makushita
Sandanme: Kyokukaiyu (Sd87). 1st career
Jonidan: Asaazuma (Jd83). 1st career
Jonokuchi: Noda (Jk5). 1st career

The next tournament is July 14-28 at Aichi Prefectural Gym in Nagoya. The Banzuke will be announced at the start of July although the actual rankings will be determined later this week. The usual post-tournament news & early headlines will be coming in a few days as well.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14-the penultimate day-of the May 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Roga (M15)
Tokihayate (M15) beat Hokutofuji (M11)
Tamawashi (M9) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Shodai (M9) beat Tsurugisho (M17)
Takanosho (M8) beat Ichiyamamoto (M12)
Takarafuji (M16) beat Kotoshoho (M8)
NIshikifuji (M12) beat Nishikigi (M7)
Ryuden (M14) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Onosho (M5) beat Tomokaze (M12)
Meisei (M5) beat Kinbozan (M10)
Hiradoumi (M2) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Midorifuji (M6)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Ura (M4)
Daieisho (M1) beat Takayasu (M3)
Onosato (K) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Oho (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Oshoma (M14)
Abi (S) beat Kotozakura (O)
Leader: Onosato (11-3)
Of note: It’s down to 5, but with the final day matchups in reality it’s at most 3. The biggest of the remaining matches is Onosato vs. Abi tomorrow. If Onosato wins, he is the champion. If Abi wins, there will be a playoff between Onosato, Abi, the Hoshoryu-Kotozakura winner and, if he wins earlier, Daieisho (Kotoshoho) as all would be 11-4. So definitely a 3-way playoff and possibly a 4-way. Hoshoryu-Kotozakura is the last match after Onosato-Abi so the Ozeki will know their fate right before their match. Onosato & Kotozakura are both going for their first top-tier championship, Abi, Daieisho & Hoshoryu each for their 2nd. Abi probably won’t get promoted to Ozeki with a championship as he just returned to Sekiwake, but he’ll be in position to make it happen in July. Hoshoryu or Kotozakura could get into Yokozuna consideration for July although 11-4 is not an impressive championship record in what has been a very competitive tournament. Onosato will be promoted to Sekiwake no matter what.
Elsewhere…Ura, Ura, Ura…he’ll be so glad when this nightmare is over. From 6-0 and sole leader to demotion after 8 straight losses. Just very bad luck.

Juryo:
Tsushimanada (J12) beat Hakuoho (J8)
Kazekeno (J14) beat Shimazuumi (J7)
Chiyosakae (J9) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Wakatakakage (J6) beat Onokatsu (J12)
Kagayaki (J5) beat Shishi (J7)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Hidenoumi (J8)
Aoiyama (J11) beat Tohakuryo (J8)
Asakoryu (J4) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Endo (J3) beat Shimanoumi (J11)
Chiyoshoma (J3) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Bushozan (J2) beat Shiden (J10)
Oshoumi (J13) beat Daishoho (J2)
Tamashoho (J9) beat Daiamami (J1)
Chiyomaru (J13) beat Myogiryu (J1)
Leader: Wakatakakage (13-1)
Of note: The championship picture tomorrow is set. First up, Wakatakakage faces Tsushimanada (7-7) then Onokatsu (12-2) faces Asakoryu (7-7) and Endo (12-2) faces Shiden (7-7). If Wakatakakage wins, he is the champion. If Wakatakakage loses, he still is the champion if both Onokatsu and Endo lose, but if one or both win in that scenario, there will be a playoff. There are no tiebreakers in sumo so even though Wakatakakage beat Onokatsu today, it only means the former Sekiwake is in the lead by himself. Both Wakatakakage & Endo will be promoted back to the top tier. Onokatsu has a slim chance if he wins the championship. I think numbers work against him though as Chiyoshoma (11-3) will also be promoted back to Makuuchi and Bushozan (8-6) has a chance, almost guaranteed if he wins, so I’ll slot Onokatsu at J1 for July. It does help that Daiamami will be demoted from J1, as will Daishoho and Myogiryu at the top (the latter having a big fall coming at 3-11). Elsewhere, newcomer Kazekeno’s promotion hopes-and keeping his Juryo spot-will go to the final day as he is 7-7. And it’s a good thing for Shimanoumi he clinched promotion already because he’s gone through another second-week collapse, after an 8-1 start he now has lost 5 straight. Newcomer Tochitaikai has clinched promotion and will maintain his Juryo spot despite losing today as he already has 8 wins.
As usual on the final day, a handful of the top Makushita men will be up for promotion chances. Akua (Ms1) will be going for re-promotion at 3-3 against Hakuoho, and it does mean one potential imitation epic salt throw for the former Juryo man at least. Nabatame, who is 4-2 at Ms2, will face Kazekeno with a chance to earn promotion to Juryo with a win, same with Kiryuko (Ms3) also at 4-2 who is facing Oshoumi. Kitaharima, who was demoted last time after making an incredible career comeback to Juryo last time out, is 3-3 at Ms4 and cam earn promotion by beating Chiyomaru, but it won’t get him back to Juryo. Finally, Kayo, who is 5-1 at Ms1, will be promoted to Juryo in July and if he follows what seems to be a Nishonoseki trend, may be in line for a name change as well as this will be his second tier debut.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top-tier coverage, including the championship match, playoff if necessary, awards ceremony and champion’s interview, tomorrow beginning at 12:30 AM PT/3:30 AM ET. The network is available FOR FREE worldwide online and via mobile/tablet and select smart TV apps with no location or viewing restrictions.

Also, tickets for the July Touranement in Nagoya are now on sale.

Here are the quick results from yesterday’s Day 13-Championship Day 1-of the May 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (top tier):
Ichiyamamoto (M12) beat Tsurugisho (M17)
Roga (M15) beat Hokutofuji (M11)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Kinbozan (M10) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Ryuden (M14) beat Shodai (M9)
Churanoumi (M13) beat Kotoshoho (M8)
Takanosho (M8) beat Tomokaze (M16)
Tamawashi (M9) beat Oho (M4)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Nishikifuji (M12)
Nishikigi (M7) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Hiradoumi (M2) beat Takayasu (M5)
Daieisho (M1) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Onosho (M5)
Onosato (K) beat Ura (M4)
Abi (S) beat Meisei (M5)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Oshoma (M14)
Kotozakura (O) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Midorifuji (M5)
Leader: Kotozakura, Onosato (10-3)
Of note: The potential title field of 11 is down to 7, with just 2 co-leaders now. It’s also now definite that the championship will go to the Final Day to decide. Further down, more promotions & demotions are being secured, with 2 definitely headed to Juryo and maybe 3.
Tomorrow Kotozakura faces Abi and Onosato has Shonannoumi. Elsewhere, Ura tries to avoid going from 6-0 to an embarrassing demotion against Atamifuji, looking to not get an 8th straight loss.

Juryo:
Didn’t get a chance to add due to unforeseen circumstances.
Leader: Wakatakakage, Endo, Onokatsu (11-2)
Makushita:
Fujiseiun (Ms11) beat Kusano (Ms60). FUJISEIUN MAKUSHITA YUSHO!!! 4th career championship, first Makushita. He’ll probably be promoted back to Juryo in July.

Sandanme:
Kyokukaiyu (Sd87) beat Inami (Jd27)
Sadanohikari (Sd29) beat Chiyodaigo (Sd54). PLAYOFF! That means Kyokukaiyu vs. Sadanohikari will be on the Final day for the championship as both go 7-0.

Jonidan:
Asaazuma (Jd83) beat Yurikisho (Jd97). And after Inami lost in the Sandanme after this…ASAAZUMA JONIDAN YUSHO!!! First career championship. He’ll probably be promoted to the Sandanme for the first time in his career.

Jonokuchi:
Seihakuho (Jk3) beat Daikosho (Jk8)
Noda (Jk5) beat MIshima (Jk4). PLAYOFF! That means Seihakuho vs. Noda will be on the Final day for the championship as both go 6-1.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Ichiyamamoto (M12) beat Ryuden (M14)
Roga (M15) beat Nishikifuji (M12)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Hokutofuji (M11) beat Tsurugisho (M17)
Tamawashi (M9) beat Tomokaze (M16)
Oshoma (M14) beat Shodai (M9)
Tokihayate (M165 beat Nishikigi (M7)
Kinbozan (M10) beat Midorifuji (M6)
Onosho (M5) beat Takanosho (M8)
Kotoshoho (M8) beat Ura (M4)
Takayasu (M3) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Hiradoumi (M2) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Oho (M4)
Meisei (M5) beat Daieisho (M1)
Onosato (K) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Abi (S) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Kotozakura (O) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Leader: 4 at 9-3
Of note: When was the last time a tournament was this wide open? There are an astounding ELEVEN rikishi at 9-3 or 8-4 and still in contention! And also still in it is Takayasu, despite missing 6 days due to injury he is otherwise 6-0! But unfortunately the just-as-spectacular collapse of Ura continues…started 6-0 and is 0-6 since. At the top, Abi will protect his Sekiwake rank and it seems like Onosato will join him in July.
Tomorrow’s most key matchup is Shonannoumi vs. Kotozakura, the winner will go to 10-3 and be a leader with the loser needing help to win the title. Onosato, also 9-3, gets Ura while the other co-leader, Oshoma, has Wakamotoharu.

Juryo:
Kotokuzan (Ms4) beat Chiyomaru (J13)
Kazekeno (J14) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Chiyosakae (J9) beat Aoiyama (J11)
Oshoumi (J13) beat Tamashoho (J9)
Tsushimanada (J12) beat Hidenoumi (J8)
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Shimazuumi (J7)
Onokatsu (J12) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Asakoryu (J4)
Endo (J3) beat Kagayaki (J5)
Wakatakakage (J6) beat Chiyoshoma (J3)
Shirokuma (J6) beat Bushozan (J2)
Shiden (J10) beat Daishoho (J2)
Daiamami (J1) beat Shimanoumi (J11)
Shishi (J7) beat Myogiryu (J1)
Leader: Onokatsu, Wakatakakage, Endo (11-1)
RE-ENTRY: Hakuoho (J8). Will return tomorrow. Missed the last 5 days due to coronavirus. Will be demoted due to being the equivalent of 3-9.
Of note: It’s all but down to the top 3. At this point the only other wrestler still with any real chance is Chiyoshoma, now at 9-3 after today’s loss. It will be down to 2 at most tomorrow as Endo faces Onokatsu, so the winner there is the leader and title favorite. Wakatakakage faces Shiden, who is going for promotion. A win probably will get the former Sekiwake back to the top tier in July.

Lower tier notes:
Tomorrow is the traditional Championship day in the lower 4 tiers…in the Makushita the Championship match will be Fujiseiun vs. Kusano, both at 6-0. A championship will give Fujiseiun a chance at a Juryo return in July while Kusano is looking to win the title in his rookie campaign, which would move him up to the middle of the division. The Sandanme may need a playoff as there are 3 at 6-0. Same with the Jonidan (3 at 6-0) and the Jonokuchi has 4 at 5-1, so only Makushita will likely be settled tomorrow.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 of the May 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Chiyoshoma (J3) beat Tsurugisho (M17)
Tomokaze (M16) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Ichiyamamoto (M12) beat Mitoryu (M13) by default/withdrawal
Ryuden (M14) beat Kinbozan (M10)
Shonannoumi (M10) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Shodai (M9) beat Roga (M15)
Tamawashi (M9) beat Nishikifuji (M12)
Oshoma (M14) beat Kotoshoho (M8)
Takanosho (M8) beat Hokutofuji (M11)
Mitakeumi (M7) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Nishikigi (M7)
Midorifuji (M6) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Oho (M4)
Daieisho (M1) beat Ura (M4)
Takayasu (M3) beat Atamifuji (M1)
Abi (S) beat Onosho (M5)
Hiradoumi (M2) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Meisei (M3)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Onosato (K)
Leader: Shonannoumi (9-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Mitoryu (M13). Knees-osteoarthritis in both. Tournament likely over. Will be demoted to Juryo.
Of note: It perhaps was a highlight day for Chiyoshoma in multiple ways-not only did he probably clinch promotion back to the top tier, but it also comes on the day he officially gained Japanese citizenship. That will probably open the door to elder stock for the Mongolian upon his retirement, or at the very least being able to stay in Japan. At the top, we have a sole leader and a chance for more record-breaking: If Shonannoumi can hold on to win his first Emperor’s Cup, it would be the first time a rikishi from Kanagawa Prefecture (eastern Japan, next to Tokyo and home to Yokohama) has won the top-tier championship in 65 years. Elsewhere, Daieisho clinched a probable Sanyaku return today with a promotion while dropping Ura to a disastrous 5th straight loss after a 6-0 start. Wakamotoharu will be demoted from Sekiwake again due to the equivalent of 8 losses thanks to 4 missed days. And how about Takayasu? He’s on pace for the odd statistic of winning every match he competed in but all his losses are due to being absent several days due to injury. As always seems to be the case, what could have been as that first career top-tier championship remains oh-so-elusive as he keeps coming so close. 9-6 won’t win the championship by any stretch but at least for one more day he still mathematically has a chance. In his first tournament post-name change, Kotozakura has protected his Ozeki status with another 8-win effort to stay in a group of 6 just one win off the lead, and a thirs straight win in their series-all amazingly by shitatenage including today has Hoshoryu still in it at 7-4. He dropped Onosato into the 8-3 group.
Tomorrow Shonannoumi goes for a 10th win against Abi while a potential title eliminator sees Takaraduji vs. Onosato that could drop the loser out of it. Also, no more Juryo man being up starting tomorrow.

Juryo:
Onokatsu (J12) beat Chiyomaru (J13)
Aoiyama (J11) beat Tsushimanada (J12)
Shiden (J10) beat Kazekeno (J14)
Tamashoho (J9) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Shimazuumi (J7) beat Oshoumi (J13)
Kagayaki (J5) beat Shimanoumi (J11)
Chiyosakae (J9) beat Asakoryu (J4)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Wakatakakage (J6) beat Endo (J3)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Daishoho (J2)
Hidenoumi (J8) beat Bushozan (J2)
Shirokuma (J6) beat Myogiryu (J1)
Daiamami (J1) beat Shishi (J7)
Leader: Onokatsu, Wakatakakage, Endo (10-1)
Of note: No Zensho Yusho. Endo took his first loss today and it means a 3-way tie for the lead again, and also increases Wakatakakage’s top-tier return chances (every win now helps). Onokatsu also remains in it in his Juryo debut. But on the flip side, we’ll probably see Oshoumi demoted back to Makushita and Chiyomaru going back down with him. No faceoffs on Day 12 between any of the top 3.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the May 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Oshoma (M13) beat Ryuden (M14)
Roga (M15) beat Mitoryu (M13)
Churanoumi (M13) beat Tomokaze (M16)
Takarafuji (M16) beat Ichiyamamoto (M12)
Nishikifuji (M12) beat Tsurugisho (M17)
Tamawashi (M9) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Shodai (M9) beat Hokutofuji (M11)
Takanosho (M8) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Kinbozan (M10) beat NIshikigi (M7)
Kotoshoho (M8) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Shonannoumi (M10) beat Midorifuji (M6)
Meisei (M5) beat Hiradoumi (M2)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Daieisho (M1) beat Oho (M4)
Onosato (K) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Abi (S) beat Ura (M4)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Onosho (M5)
Takayasu (M3) beat Kotozakura (O)
Leader: Onosato, Shonannoumi,Takarafuji (8-2)
RE-ENTRY: Wakamotoharu (S). Will return tomorrow. Missed 4 days with a toe injury. Will be the equivalent of 3-7, meaning he can maintain his ranking if he wins out but will be demoted with one more loss.
Of note: If it wasn’t for the injury withdrawal Takayasu may be up among the leaders as he’s unbeaten now when he competes. His only loss is a fusen for withdrawing. Meanwhile, Onosato will remain in Sanyaku in July while Takarafuji and Shonannoumi also clinch promotions. Tomokaze will definitely be demoted back to Juryo now and Mitoryu is trending that way with demotion now clinched. As for Mitakeumi, the latest injury update is a bruised upper leg. For now he’s toughing it out.
Tomorrow Shonannoumi faces Takarafuji in a potential eliminator while Onosato looks to maintain the lead against Hoshoryu.

Juryo:
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Kiraharima (Ms3)
Kazekeno (J14) beat Oshoumi (J13)
Onokatsu (J12) beat Shimanoumi (M11)
Chiyomaru (J13) beat Shiden (J10)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Tsushimanada (J12)
Aoiyama (J11) beat Tamashoho (J9)
Tohakuryu (J4) beat Chiyosakae (J9)
Hidenoumi (J8) beat Asakoryu (J4)
Endo (J3) beat Shimazuumi (J7)
Chiyoshoma (J3) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Bushozan (J2) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Shishi (J7) beat Daishoho (J2)
Wakatakakage (J6) beat Daiamami (J1)
Myogiryu (J1) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Leader: Endo (10-0)
Of note: We now know the reason for the Hakuoho withdrawal the other day thanks to YouTuber Chris Sumo-coronavirus. Status uncertain but if the guidelines keep him away for more than 5 days in isolation/quarantine, tournament over. He will be demoted again, questionable to stay in Juryo. At the top, I think it’s safe to say Endo has now clinched promotion back to the top tier no matter what happens the rest of the way, and Chiyoshoma now will have a chance to return as he has clinched promotion. Wakatakakage continues to keep his hopes alive at 9-1 but from J6 he still needs more wins. He’s got a big one tomorrow in Endo which could be a title eliminator. Onokatsu draws Chiyomaru.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Churanoumi (M13) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Mitoryu (M13) beat Tsurugisho (M17)
Tokihayate (M15) beat Nishikifuji (M12)
Oshoma (M14) beat Ichiyamamoto (M12)
Ryuden (M14) beat Hokutofuji (M11)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Tomokaze (M16)
Shonannoumi (M10) beat Roga (M15)
Mitakeumi (M7) beat Kinbozan (M10)
Kotoshoho (M8) beat Nishikigi (M7)
Midorifuji (M6) beat Shodai (M9)
Meisei (M3) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Takanosho (M8) beat Ura (M4)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Daieisho (M1)
Hiradoumi (M2) beat Onosato (K)
Oho (M4) beat Abi (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Onosho (M5)
Takayasu (M3) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Leader: 5 at 7-2
Of note: Still no promotions clinched yet because Onosato & Takarafuji both lost today. Mitakeumi was back despite injury concerns yesterday with a taped left thigh/upper leg and still affected by it post-match, fortunately he won quickly & easily. If he gets to promotion he might just give up championship chances and withdraw to prevent further injury. And while he hasn’t dropped out of contention yet, today was a 3rd straight loss for Ura after a career-best 6-0 start.
And it’s now official-with the equivalent of 8 losses for the second straight tournament, Kirishima will be demoted from Ozeki after one year, one championship and Yokozuna contention. More than anything it seems to be injuries doing him in. But he’ll have one chance at a quick return if he can return in July at Sekiwake and finish with at least 10 wins. Also being demoted is Tomokaze, who with 8 losses now is headed back to Juryo in July.

Juryo:
Daiseizan (Ms3) beat Kazekeno (J14)
Shimanoumi (J11) beat Chiyomaru (J13)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Shiden (J10) beat Oshoumi (J13)
Tamashoho (J9) beat Tsushimanada (J12)
Onokatsu (J12) beat Chiyosakae (J9)
Aoiyama (J11) beat Hidenoumi (J8)
Asakoryu (J4) beat Shimazuumi (J7)
Chiyoshoma (J7) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Endo (J3) beat Shishi (J7)
Wakatakakage (J6) beat Daishoho (J2)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Bushozan (J2)
Kagayaki (J5) beat Myogiryu (J1)
Daiamami (J1) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Leader: Endo (9-0)
Of note: Maybe demotion is what Endo needed to right the ship as he remains the sole unbeaten and is all but headed back to the top tier in July. At this point I think one more win clinches it. It’s also nice to see Shimanoumi off to a great start after really struggling the last couple years-he clinched a promotion today and is in a group at 8-1, including Wakatakakage who also will have a chance at a top tier return if he keeps winning. Not going back up is Myogiryu, the first demotion at now 1-8. Also, Onokatsu has clinched promotion in his Juryo debut with an 8-1 mark so far.

Lower tier notes:
So far the Makushita has 4 unbeatens left at 5-0, including rookie Kusano who got a coveted Makushita 60 debut ranking due to amateur/school accomplishments. I’m surprised he still hasn’t gotten a “fuji” ring name yet as an Isegahama wrestler. In the Sandanme, 5 are currently tied for the lead at 5-0. In the Jonidan, 6 are tied at 5-0 while in the Jonokuchi there are now no unbeatens left…3 are tied at 4-1 with 6 more at 3-1.

I missed the first week due to travel and limited internet access, but here is a quick recap from the first week of the May 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo and notes from the first week so far:

Continue reading “Sumo-May 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament Day 8 (Halfway Point) Results & Notes”

It’s a day later than it usually would be, but the Japan Sumo Association has just announced the Banzuke (rankings) for the May 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo. Here are the rankings for the top 2 tiers and other notes:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Terunifuji
Ozeki-Hoshoryu, Kotozakura, Kirishima, Takakeisho
Sekiwake-Wakamotoharu, Abi
Komusubi-Asanoyama, Onosato
Maegashira 1-Atamifuji, Daieisho
Maegashira 2-Hiradoumi, Gonoyama
Maegashira 3-Takayasu, Tobizaru
Maegashira 4-Oho, Ura
Maegashira 5-Onosho, Meisei
Maegashira 6-Takerufuji (March Champion), Midorifuji
Maegashira 7-Nishikigi, Mitakeumi
Maegashira 8-Takanosho, Kotoshoho
Maegashira 9-Tamawashi, Shodai
Maegashira 10-Shonannoumi, Kinbozan
Maegashira 11-Sadanoumi, Hokutofuji
Maegashira 12-Ichiyamamoto, Nishikifuji
Maegashira 13-Mitoryu (March Juryo Champion), Churanoumi
Maegashira 14-Ryuden, Oshoma
Maegashira 15-Tokihayate, Roga
Maegashira 16-Tomokaze, Takarafuji
Maegashira 17-Tsurugisho
Early notes: Asanoyama may be an early withdrawal due to an ankle injury suffered last week on the tour, which is expected to keep him out 3 weeks. If that holds, that would mean he could miss most of the first week (roughly 4-5 days). Kotozakura is now a “Kaimei”rikishi, one who has undergone a shikona or name change as he will no longer be Kotonowaka going forward, inheriting his grandfather’s ring name as expected. There have been rampant rumors this will be the final tournament for Terunofuji before retirement due to continued injury & health issues, so perhaps the Yokozuna’s last chance to get to his stated goal of 10 top tier championships. Kirishima is in kadoban status, meaning he must win at least 8 matches or he will be demoted from Ozeki. Onosato makes his Sanyaku debut after back-to-back runner-up finishes while March champion Takerufuji makes not quite as big a jump as I expected, going from M17 up to M6.
Newcomers/returners are Mitoryu after winning the Juryo in March, Oshoma finally breaking through to the top tier, Takarafuji back up after one tournament and Tomokaze also returns.

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Daiamami, Myogiryu
Juryo 2-Bushozan, Daishoho
Juryo 3-Endo, Chiyoshoma
Juryo 4-Tohakuryu, Asakoryu
Juryo 5-Kagayaki, Kitanowaka
Juryo 6-Shirokuma, Wakatakakage
Juryo 7-Shishi, Shimazuumi
Juryo 8-Hidenoumi, Hakuoho
Juryo 9-Chiyosakae, Tamashoho
Juryo 10-Shiden, Hakuyozan
Juryo 11-Shimanoumi, Aoiyama
Juryo 12-Onokatsu, Tsushimanada
Juryo 13-Oshoumi, Chiyomaru
Juryo 14-Tochitaikai, Kazekeno (March Makushita Champion)
Notes: Tochitaikai is another name change for this tournament, formerly being Tsukahara. The big story here are the top-tier demotions from last time, including longtime mainttays Myogiryu & Endo. Shimazuumi also was demoted after finishing March the equivalent of 0-15 due to injury. Shirokuma was also demoted for the first time in his career due in part to missing 2 days, while both Wakatakakage & Hakuoho take small steps closer to the top tier. March Makushita Champion Kazekeno is also Shin-Juryo this time along with ONokatsu.

Lower tier notes:
Np epic salt throws for the first time in a long time as Akua was demoted to Makushita 1, unless he’s up in Juryo for a day. Kotoeko was demoted out of the top 2 tiers for the first time in almost 15 years, 2 injury-riddled tournaments dropping him to Makushita 11. The Sandanme has the new-normal 90 ranks again and of note is Kiho has changed his name back to his prior name Kawazoe, which he changed under ex-Hakuho as he got close to Juryo but has plunged due to injuries. The Jonidan expanded back to up 100 ranks plus one at 101 and fan favorite Enho held on to a ranking there at Jonidan 100, but it’s not yet known if he’ll begin his comeback as he tries to reach Juryo one more time in his career to qualify for elder stock. Finally, the Jonokuchi has 20 ranks with 39 wrestlers total.

The May Tournamend runs May 12-26. For the first week of the tournament I will not be able to post daily results as I will be traveling with no internet.