Tag: sumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13-Championship Day 1-of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Kitanowaka (M17) beat Oshoma (J3)
Tohakuryu (M15) beat Oho (M12)
Tomokaze (M14) beat Hiradoumi (M11)
Churanoumi (M15) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Mitakeumi (M9) beat Tamawashi (M12)
Roga (M16) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Endo (M8) beat Nishikifuji (M16)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Ichiyamamoto (M14)
Tsurugisho (M13) beat NIshikigi (M4)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Hokuseiho (M7)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Takayasu (M3)
Takarafuji (M13) beat Meisei (M2)
Kinbozan (M7) beat Shodai (M2)
Ura (M1) beat Onosho (M5)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Hokutofuji (K)
Abi (K) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Ryuden (M10) beat Kotonowaka (S)
Asanoyama (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Leader: Kirishima, Atamifuji (11-2)
Of note: The championship can’t be officially decided until the final day, but Kirishima-Atamifuji is the last match tomorrow. That means the winner only needs to win on the final day or have the loser lose again for the championship, but there could also very well be a playoff rematch. It will be the first ever meeting between the two. It’s also down to those two as it means anyone at 9-4 now can’t force a playoff. That includes Takakeisho so Yokozuna hopes are officially dead, and Ichiyamamoto who fell to a HENKA! by Midorifuji. But if Kirishima wins the championship, he goes on the radar in January and will have a chance at promotion if he goes back-to-back. Atamifuji will be looking for a second straight championship chance after losing to Takakeisho in a playoff in September. If he stays healthy, he could be in Ozeki contention by this time next year.
Ozeki Watch: Since he can’t win the championship now, Kotonowaka probably can’t be promoted. 30 wins will now be the best he can do. If he gets there, that starts him at 22 in January, meaning 11 again can do it. One more win should clinch a Special Prize though, likely Outstanding Performance as he did go 2-1 against Ozeki.

Juryo:
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Tenshoho (J10) beat Hakuyozan (Ms1)
Takahashi (J9) beat Yuma (J13)
Tokihayate (J8) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Takakenoto (J9) beat Chiyomaru (J8)
Shiden (J12) beat Chiyoshoma (J6)
Asakoryu (J13) beat Mitoryu (J4)
Onosato (J5) beat Daiamami (J4)
Kagayaki (J3) beat Shishi (J5)
Shimazuumi (J2) beat Akua (J10)
Bushozan (J2) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Daishoho (J7)
Aoiyama (J1) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Leader: Kotoshoho, Onosato (10-3)
Of note: While 4 at 8-5 still have playoff hopes, reasonably it’s down to 4. And the top 4 all face off tomorrow as both Kotoshoho and Onosato face the two who are one win back. But if Asakoryu and Shiden both win, the 8-5s are back in it with wins and could force up to a 7-WAY PLAYOFF! It can’t be 8-way because two of the 8-5s, Bushozan & Takahashi, face each other tomorrow. Elsewhere, with his win today, Aoiyama now just needs to win 1 of his last 2 matches for promotion back to the top tier. With 8 wins and promotion clinched at J2, Shimazuumi also will have a chance at a top tier debut in January (I think he needs one more win to make it definite). Fellow J2 Bushozan is a toss-up now to return to the top tier as well with promotion secured, again he also probably needs one more win. And despite his loss today, 4 wins at Ms1 means Hakuyozan will be back in Juryo in January. At this point, Onosato is going to have a chance at the top tier regardless of what happens. One more win makes it likely, 2 wins and/or the championship makes it definite.

Makushita:
Satorufuji (Ms42) beat Kitaharima (Ms11). SATORUFUJI MAKUSHITA YUSHO! 2nd career championship (1st Makushita) in 5 career tournaments for the Isegahama prospect who is an impressive 30-5 to date. He’ll probably go up to Ms12 in January. Kitaharima probably gets denied a January Juryo return as a result.

Sandanme:
Daishoryu (Sd62) beat Nishida (Sd37). DAISHORYU SANDANME YUSHO! First career championship. Will almost certainly return to Makushita after being demoted after July (Absent in September).

Jonidan:
Dairinzan (Jd61) beat Kototaiga (Jd40). PLAYOFF!
Shiroma (Jd15) beat Higonoumi (Jd45)
That means Dairinzan vs. Shiroma on Day 15 Sunday for the championship.

Jonokuchi:
Aonishiki (Jk14) beat Hatachijo (Jd96). AONISHIKI JONOKUCHI YUSHO! First championship in his debut tournament for the rikishi from Ukraine (interestingly he is not a stablemate of Shishi, not right now anyway), and it avoids what would have been a 3-way playoff if he lost as both other Jonokuchi wrestlers who were 5-1 won today, both also in Jonidan.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage, including the important Kirishima-Atamifuji match, tomorrow beginning at 12:10 AM PT/3:10 AM ET. The network is available on participating cable/satellite providers and FREE WORLDWIDE on their website and mobile/tablet/smart TV apps with no account/signup needed and no restrictions.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka::
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Tohakuryu (M15) beat Shimazuumi (J2)
Tamawashi (M12) beat Oho (M12)
Tsurugisho (M13) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Hiradoumi (M11) beat Churanounmi (M15)
Takarafuji (M13) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Endo (M8) beat Kitanowaka (M17)
Hokuseiho (M7) beat Roga (M16)
Kinbozan (M7) beat Mitakeumi (M9)
Shonannoumi (M6) beat Tomokaze (M14)
Onosho (M5) beat Nishikifuji (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Nishikigi (M4)
Takayasu (M3) beat Ryuden (M10)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Ura (M1) beat Shodai (M2)
Abi (K) beat Meisei (M2)
Hokutofuji (K) beat Asanoyama (M1)
Daieisho (S) beat Midorifuji (M5)
Kirishima (O) beat Kotonowaka (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Leader: Kirishima, Atamifuji (10-2)
Of note: Although he won’t make Yokozuna now, Takakeisho has at least protected his Ozeki rank as all 3 now have 8+ wins, so all good going into January. But the Sanyaku Shakeup is coming because Wakamotoharu will be demoted from Sekiwake after taking his 8th loss today. This is only his second demotion since reaching the top tier at the start of 2022, which demonstrates how incredibly consistent he has been performance-wise, and snaps a run of 7 straight winning records. He did start 3-2 but has been in a 1-6 slump since, a lot of it’s just bad luck/results and not a lack of effort. Kitanowaka and Roga will both be demoted to Juryo after today as well with 8 & 9 losses, respectively. Kotonowaka & Ichiyamamoto are each one back and still in it, but need a little help. Which could happen tomorrow. Among higher-ranked wrestlers, I wouldn’t call Takarafuji safe is he loses out, but given the supposed Isegahama pull in the rankings, he’ll probably stick around. But he will lose Nishikifuji, who couldn’t stave off demotion again today and took his 8th loss and is going down to Juryo again after 9 straight tournaments in the top tier (he came up after winning the Juryo Championship in May 2022). Unfortunately good happenings outside the dohyo this year, including getting married and having his first children (twins) have not translated to good luck in the dohyo. Shimazuumi came up short in his bid to earn promotion today and will try again tomorrow in Juryo.
Ozeki Watch: While today’s loss means he can’t hit the unofficial mark of 33 wins, Kotonowaka still has a chance at promotion if he wins out, especially if he wins the tournament and finishes with 32 wins. Going 2-1 against the current Ozeki this time should help his cause.
Key matches tomorrow: Atamifuji-Takayasu, Daieisho-Kirishima. Both are tough matches for the co-leaders. Kotonowaka faces Ryuden while Ichiyamamoto has Midorifuji.
Oshoma will be the Juryo Man up tomorrow, he will now be demoted at 4-8 as he remains in a long rut of not being able to break through the upper ranks of Juryo into the top tier (he was J4 for an unprecedented 4 straight tournaments despite one 8-7 and 2 7-8 efforts and was stuck at J3 or J4 this entire year, dating back to his winning the Juryo Championship here last year).

Juryo:
Oshoumi (Ms2) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
Takahashi (J9) beat Shimanoumi (M12)
Chiyomaru (J8) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Tokihayate (J8) beat Akua (J10)
Asakoryu (J13) beat Chiyoshoma (J6)
Shishi (J5) beat Tenshoho (J10)
Daiamami (J4) beat Yuma (J13)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Shiden (J12)
Hitoshi (J11) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Onosato (J5) beat Oshoma (J3)
Bushozan (J2) beat Takakento (J9)
Daishoho (J7) beat Aoiyama (J1)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Leader: Kotoshoho, Onosato (9-3)
Of note: Hitoshi’s nightmare is over for now has he snapped a 8-match losing streak that will send the September Makushita Champion back down. Takakento is also a demotion candidate now at 2-9, but this win means despite being equal to 3-9 Chiyomaru is probably safe despite injury absences. With his win as the Makushita Man in his likely final match, Oshoumi earned a 4th win and a promotion, possibly to Juryo in January. If he does, that will mean a Juryo debut as his Ms2 ranking right now is a career best. At the top, Onosato now has a chance at promotion tot he top tier depending on how he finishes. If he wins out, championship or not, I believe he gets there, but yes if he is champion.

Lower tier notes: Tomorrow is the traditional Championship Day. The Makushita Championship match will be tomorrow (Kitaharima vs. Satorufuji), along with the Sandanme Championship match (Nishida vs. Daishoryu). The Jonidan Championship may or may not be decided, depending on what happens: First up, if Dairinzan wins his last match tomorrow, a playoff Sunday is guaranteed against the Shiroma-Higonoumi winner after that. But if Dairinzan loses tomorrow, Shiroma-Higonoumi is for the championship (Dairinzan’s match is up first). The Jonokuchi leader, Aonishiki, is in Jonidan tomorrow and will win the Jonokuchi Championship with a win. If Aonishiki loses, he still is champion if both Ginseizan and Kyokushori (5-1) lose. But if either wins and Aonishiki loses, there will be a playoff and both winning would mean a 3-way playoff.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 is the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Noshikifuji (M16) beat Tomokaze (M14)
Taurugisho (M13) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Kitanowaka (M17)
Mitakeumi (M9) beat Roga (M16)
Atamifuji (M9) beat Churanoumi (M15)
Endo (M8) beat Tohakuryu (M8)
Tamawashi (M12) beat Kinbozan (M7)
Hokuseiho (M7) beat Oho (M12)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Hiradoumi (M11)
Myogiryu (M9) beat Onosho (M5)
Ryuden (M10) beat Nishikigi (M4)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Takanosho (M6) by default/withdrawal
Takayasu (M3) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Ura (M1)
Hokutofuji (K) beat Meisei (M2)
Abi (K) beat Shodai (M2)
Daieisho (S) beat Ichiyamamoto (M14)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Takakeisho (O)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Asanoyama (M1)
Kirishima (O) beat Wakamoroharu (S)
Leader: Kirishima, Kotonowaka, Atamifuji (9-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Takanosho (M6). Right knee injury suffered yesterday. Status uncertain. He was 5-5 after yesterday so if he can’t return in the next 2 days that will mean a demotion as he is now 5-6. He will stay in the top tier even if he can’t return and finishes the equivalent of 5-10.
Of note: For now 4 co-leaders are down to 3, with 4 one win back. Hiradoumi had a 7-match win streak snapped today, he started 0-3 before nearly rallying today for promotion. Both Kirishima and Hoshoryu have now protected their Ozeki standing as each has 8+ wins. On the flip side, we’re maybe about to lose a Sekiwake as Wakamotoharu is now 4-7. He must win out or he will be demoted. At the bottom, Roga will be demoted back to Juryo after today’s loss while Nishikifuji staved off demotion for another day.
Yokozuna Watch: It’s over for Takakeisho. He can still win the championship but consecutive 11-4 records in doing so will not earn promotion. Kirishima has a chance to be on watch in January if he can win the tournament.
Ozeki Watch: Looking better for Kotonowaka, as long as he reaches 12 wins I think that will be enough even though it’s only 32 wins based on quality. If he wins the championship or wins out to go 13-2
promotion should be a given.
Key Match Tomorrow: Kotonowaka-Kirishima. Even if Atamifuji beats Hoshoryu to stay tied for the lead, the winner here will be the yusho favorite.

Juryo:
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
Yuma (J13) beat Tokihayate (J8)
Asakoryu (J13) beat Chiyomaru (J8)
Akua (J10) beat Daishoho (J7)
Shishi (J5) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Daiamami (J4) beat Tenshoho (J10)
Shiden (J12) beat Oshoma (J3)
Kagayaki (J3) beat Takakento (J9)
Shimazuumi (J2) beat Takahashi (J9)
Onosato (J5) beat Bushozan (J2)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Chiyoshoma (J6)
Aoiyama (J1) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Leader: Kotoshoho, Onosato, Shiden (8-3)
Of note: Kotoshoho’s 8-match winning streak ended today, which took him from 0-2 to a top tier return in January. He gets Tamashoho tomorrow. Onosato has Oshoma (4-7) while Shiden faces Mitoryu (7-4). Shimazuumi (7-4) will be in the top tier tomorrow and will earn promotion with a win. It could also elevate him to the top tier for the first time in his career, although he may need 2 more wins to make it definite.

Lower tier notes:
The Makushita Championship is set for Day 13, it will be Kitaharima vs. Satorufuji. If Kitaharima wins it will be his second straight championship and could return him to Juryo for the first time since September 2020 (he is at Ms11). If Satorufuji wins, the 19-year-old Isegahama prospect will claim his second career championship in his 5th career tournament and will have a 30-5 career record so far, putting Juryo by March in reach (he is at Ms42 so he probably would move up to Ms12).
The Sandanme Championship will be Nishida (Sd37) vs. Daishoryu (Sd62). It would be the first for both. Daishoryu was demoted from Makushita this time due to missing September. The winner should be back in Makushita in January.
The Jonidan may meed a playoff because there are 3 at 6-0. Shiroma and Higonouni ate each going for their second career championship, if Shiroma wins he will go a technical 2 for 2 career as he was absent for his debut in July. Dairinzan will be going for his first championship.
The Jonokuchi Championship is Aonishiki’s to lose. At 6-0, he now only needs to win his last match. Otherwise a playoff may be needed. This is the debut tournament for the new rikishi from Ukraine, looking to follow countryman Shishi up the rankings.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake. O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Roga (M16) beat Bushozan (J2)
Oho (M12) beat Kitanowaka (M17)
Tohakuryu (M15) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Hiradoumi (M11) beat Ichiyamamoto (M14)
Ryuden (M10) beat Tamawashi (M12)
Nishikifuji (M16) beat Kotoeko (M10) by default/withdrawal
Mitakeumi (M9) beat Churanoumi (M15)
Tomokaze (M14) beat Endo (M8)
Tsurugisho (M13) beat Hokuseiho (M7)
Kinbozan (M7) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Takanosho (M6) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Midorifuji (M6) beat Takayasu (M3)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Onosho (M5)
Meisei (M2) beat Shodai (M2)
Ura (M1) beat Hokutofuji (M1)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Faieisho (S) beat Asanoyama (M1)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Nishikigi (M4)
Takakeisho (O) beat Abi (K)
Leader: Kirishima, Kotonowaka, Atamifuji, Ichiyamamoto (8-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Kotoeko (M10). Knee. Out 2 weeks. Tournament done. This is the first time he’s been absent in his 13-year career excluding 4 days last year due to the coronavirus pandemic (which technically doesn’t count as injury/illness if they didn’t have it, the rules were if one wrestler got it their entire stable had to pull out. It’s still recorded as Absent on their records). That ends a 1000+ match ironman streak-he had never missed a day before this excluding the pandemic absence. Will finish the equivalent of 2-13 (today clinched demotion) which could mean demotion to Juryo for the first time in 3 years. Remember earlier talks about that Sadogatake top tier run with a wrestler up consecutively sonce the 1960s? It could all be on Kotonowaka come January. But barring injury or suspension he’s going to be up here for a long time. (Although Kotoshoho, demoted after September, will be back up in January)
Of note: It’s wide open again with 4 tied for the lead, Kirishima protecting his Ozeki rank and Kotonowaka doing the same at Sekiwake. Tomorrow will be a key day, specifically with Kotonowaka facing Takakeisho in a likely eliminator.
Yokozuna Watch: Takakeisho must beat Kotonowaka tomorrow or it’s over. Even with another championship, 11 wins for consecutive yusho is not impressive to the Yokozuna Deliberation Council. But Kirishima winning will keep renewed hopes high for a new Yokozuna and answer Hakkaku’s wishes for Kirishima & Hoshoryu to earn promotion soon. Hoshoryu is still in it at 7-3.
Meanwhile, Wakamotoharu is now in danger of demotion from Sekiwake at 4-6, while Hokutofuji will be demoted from Sanyaku after his 8th loss today.
Ozeki Watch: Kotonowaka took important step one today-protecting his Sekiwake rank with 8 wins. If he beats Takakeisho tomorrow the rank is his to lose as long as he wins out. Maybe 12 wins (4-1) could do it (33 wins over 3 tournaments is looked at as a benchmark but is not required). Same for the championship.

Juryo:
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Tsushimanada (Ms4)
Takahashi (J9) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Yuma (J13) beat Takakento (J9)
Chiyomaru (J8) beat Shiden (J12)
Asakoryu (J13) beat Daishoho (J7)
Tamashoho (J7) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
Shimanoumi (J13) beat Daiamami (J4)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Akua (J10)
Tokihayate (J8) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Tenshoho (J10) beat Oshoma (J3)
Shimazuumi (J2) beat Onosato (J5)
Chiyoshoma (J6) beat Aoiyama (J1)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Shishi (J5)
Leader: Kotoshoho (8-2)
Of note: As the first promotion so far, that means Kotoshoho will return to the top tier in January from J1. Not returning is Kagayaki, who is now demoted from J3 at 2-8. Also likely one-and-done is Hitoshi, 1-9 at J11 has the September Makushita Champion probably going back down. His only hope is to win out.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-asekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Nishikifuji (J16)
Tsurugisho (M13) beat Kitanowaka (M17)
Takarafuji (J13) beat Tohakuryu (J15)
Ichiyamamoto (J14) beat Tamawashi (J12)
Oho (M12) beat Tomokaze (M14)
Hiradoumi (M11) beat Roga (M17)
Churanoumi (M15) beat Endo (M8)
Kinbozan (M7) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Hokuseiho (M7) beat Kotoeko (M10)
Takanosho (M6) beat Ryuden (M10)
Shonannoumi (M6) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Mitakeumi (M9) beat Midorifuji (M5)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Onosho (M5)
Takayasu (M3) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Meisei (M3) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Shodai (M2) beat Hokutofuji (K)
Ura (M1) beat Abi (K)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Daieisho (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Asanoyama (M1)
Takakeosho (O) beat Noshikigi (M4)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Leader: Ichiyamamoto (8-1)
Of note: The field chasing the leader at one win back thinned from 9 to 4 as Ichiyamamoto is the first to clinch promotion this tournament. No Sanyaku in Janury for Asanoyama as he will be the first demotion after a very close loss, which was upheld on judges’ review. He now is the equivalent of 1-8 in his first losing tournament since returning from a 1 year suspension that saw him demoted from Ozeki to Sandanme. At the bottom, Roga is also one loss now from demotion back to Juryo at 2-7.
Yokozuna Watch: Takakeisho is still in it but his chances are near zero now as he remains 2 off the pace and can only finish with 12 wins.
Ozeki Watch: Kotonowaka’s win over Hoshoryu today was big. Probably still needs to win out to get to 13-2 and the unofficial 33-win bar but he remains one win off the lead.

Juryo:
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Tenshoho (J10)
Akua (J10) beat Yuma (J13)
Shiden (J12) beat Takakento (J9)
Shimanoumi (J13) beat Tokihayate (J8)
Chiyomaru (J8) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Takahashi (J9)
Daiamami (J4) beat Asakoryu (J13)
Tamashoho (J7) beat Oshoma (J3)
Daoshoho (J7) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Shimazuumi (J2) beat Chiyoshoma (J6)
Bushozan (J2) beat Shishi (J5)
Onosato (J5) beat Aoiyama (J1)
Leader: Kotoshoho, Onosato, Shiden (7-2)
RE-ENTRY: Hidenouni (J11). Will return tomorrow. He will be the equivalent of 4-5 after missing 3 days.
Of note: Hitoshi is demoted after winning the Makushita Championship in September but can stay in Juryo if he can get some wins. The win today in return from a shoulder injury probably means Chiyomaru is safe despite demotion, but he needs one more to be sure, maybe 2. On the other side, a win in the top tier means Kotoshoho is just one away from a return in January.
Hidenoumi’s return means a Makushita man comes up again starting tomorrow, and he’ll face Tsushimanada, who will be going for a 4th win and promotion from Ms4.

Lower tier notes:
The Makushita saw 10 unbeatens left narrowed down to 4 at 5-0, so Day 11 should narrow it down to the championship match on Day 13. Former Sekiwake Wakatakakage picked up a second consecutive win to go to 3-2 (earlier versions of this post incorrectly said he was 3-3) and is now a win from promotion in his return from injury. The Sandanme currently has 5 at 5-0. The Jonidan currently has 6 at 5-0 while on the Jonokuchi, Aonishiki won the match of the 2 remaining unbeatens to go to 5-0 and now just needs to win his last 2 matches for the championship.

UPDATE: Makuuchi-Kotoeko has WITHDRAWN after Day 9. More to come as to why tomorrow. Nishikifuji gets the free win and avoids demotion for at least another day. It’s only the second time in his 13-year career he’s had to withdraw from a tournament. The first and only other time was July 2022 when he missed the last 4 days. He is 2-7 at M10 so he will be demoted, possibly to Juryo if he doesn’t return. If that happens it will end a 3 1/2 year run in the top tier following demotion after January 2020 (he was Juryo 5 in March 2020 and went 11-4 but had to wait until July 2020 to return because the May 2020 tournament was cancelled due to the pandemic).

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 8-the halfway point-of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Kitanowaka (M17) beat Aoiyama (J1)
Churanoumi (M15) beat Tomokaze (M14)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Oho (M12) beat Roga (M16)
Tamawashi (M12) beat Tohakuryu (M15)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat NIshikifuji (M16)
Hiradoumi (M11) beat Tsurugisho (M13)
Endo (M8) beat Kotoeko (M10)
Ryuden (M10) beat Hokuseiho (M7)
Mitakeumi (M8) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Takanosho (M6)
Kinnbozan (M7) beat Onosho (M5)
Mirodifuji (M5) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Meisei (M2)
Takayasu (M3) beat Ura (M1)
Abi (K) beat Daieisho (S)
Shodai (M2) beat Kotonowaka (S)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Asanoyama (M1) beat Takakeisho (O)
NIshikigi (M4) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Kirishima (O) beat Hokutofuji (K)
Leader: Ichiyamamoto (7-1)
Yokozuna Watch: It’s all but over this time for Takakeisho, who has now lost 2 straight after a close one today against the returning Asanoyama. He can only finish 12-3, which is currently 2 off the pace and probably isn’t ideal as a win total for the championship and promotion. We’ll see. But there is hope for Hakkaku (Chairman of the Japan Sumo Association) as both Kirishima & Hoshoryu are among NINE at 6-2, and a second championship for either one gives them a chance to earn promotion in the January tournament.
Ozeki Watch: Kotonowaka now needs to win out or win the tournament to have any real chance at promotion after 2 straight losses now.

Juryo:
Shimanoumi (J12) beat Fukai (Ms3)
Shiden (J12) beat Asakoryu (J13)
Yuma (J13) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Akua (J10) beat Tenshoho (J10)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Takakento (J9)
Daiamami (J4) beat Takahashi (J9)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Tokihayate (J8)
Kagayaki (J3) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Oshoma (J3) beat Daishoho (J7)
Chiyoshoma (J6) beat Bushozan (J3)
Shimazuumi (J2) beat Shishi (J5)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Onosato (J5)
Leader: Kotoshoho, Onosato, Shiden (6-2)
RE-ENTRY: Chiyomaru (J8). Will return tomorrow. Withdrawal on Day 4. Unfortunately for him demotion is already guaranteed as he is the equivalent of 0-8 (0-4-4). But he can save his salary and Juryo ranking with at least 2 or 3 wins.
Of note; That’s 6 straight wins for Kotoshoho after an 0-2 start as he handed Onosato only his second loss. Aoiyama was in the top tier and lost to fall one off the pace. At the bottom, it’s looking like one and done for September Makushita Champion Hitoshi as he is now one loss from demotion at 1-7. Also, Chiyoshoma managed to win his 3rd straight without a HENKA! (sidestep at initial charge. Not illegal but generally the fans hate it) today.

Lower tier notes: With Promotion Day 1 wrapped up, the Makushita has 7 tied for the lead at 4-0, including Hakuyozan who will return to Juryo in January from Ms1 and September Sandanme Champion Kitaharima with a chance as well if he wins the championship (he is at Ms11). After his win today, former Sekiwake Wakatakakage is currently 2-2 at Ms6, probably won’t make it back up to Juryo even if he finishes 5-2. In the Sandanme, 11 are 4-0 and there is a slight chance of stablemates facing off for the championship as 2 of the co-leaders are from Sakaigawa Beya (Asonoyama at Sd1 and Katsunofuji at Sd85). In the Jonidan, 12 are tied at 4-0 with 2 Beyas having 2 co-leaders (Onoe & Musashigawa). Finally, in the Jonokuchi there are 2 at 4-0 who are heading for a final face-off if they keep winning.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 7 of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Tomokaze (M14) beat Roga (M16)
Tsurugisho (M13) beat Churanoumi (M15)
Takarafuji (M13) beat Kitanowaka (M17)
Oho (M12) beat Nishikifuji (M16)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Ichiyamamoto (M14)
Ryuden (M10) beat Kotoeko (M10)
Mitakeumi (M9) beat Tohakuryu (M15)
Tamawashi (M12) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Hiradoumi (M11) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Shonannoumi (M6) beat Takanosho (M6)
Hokuseiho (M7) beat Midorifuji (M5). This match went almost 7 MINUTES! Long enough they had to take a water break
Endo (M8) beat Onosho (M5)
NIshikigi (M4) beat Kinbozan (M7)
Takayasu *M3( beat Meisei (M2)
Ura (M1) beat Kotonowaka (S)
Shodai (M2) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Hokutofuji (K)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Abi (K)
Kirishima (O) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Takakeisho (O)
Leader: Hoshoryu, Kotonowaka, Ichiyamamoto (6-1)
RE-ENTRY: Asanouama (M1). Will return tomorrow. Missed first week due to a torn calf muscle suffered in the October tour. Will be the equivalent of 0-7, meaning either he wins out and gets promoted to Komusubi in January or will be demoted, although a 7-1 finish may keep him at M1 (he would be 7-1-7 or the equivalent of 7-8)..That could be a VERY BIG if because guess who he gets first tomorrow? Takakeisho.
Of note: That’s 2 of 3 Ozeki beaten by Gonoyama, making him an Oustanding Performance Prize candidate if he can get to promotion before it’s over (he’s currently 3-4). Hokuseiho-Midorifuji may have been one of the longest matches ever, only the second time I’ve seen a mid-match water break necessary (usually if a match goes 3 1/2-4 minutes or longer. They use salt to mark the wrestler’s positions before they break and then resume a couple minutes later). It’s worth noting they are the largest and maybe smallest rikishi in the top tier, respectively, in terms of height (Midorifuji is also the smallest currently in terms of weight. Hokuseiho is about a foot taller too, standing roughly 6’10”).
Yokozuna Watch: Takakeisho still has a chance but that loss today hurts. He’s still very much in it at 5-2 but probably has to win out. If Hoshoryu can win out or go 7-1 and win another championship now, he’ll be on the radar in January.
Ozeki Watch: Kotonowaka took his first loss today but still is very much alive if he can finish 7-1 or better or win the tournament.
Because of withdrawals & returns we’ll have a Juryo man up again starting tomorrow, and first it’ll be the recently demoted Aoiyama, who is 5-2 at J1 with a good chance right now at a January return. His demotion meant this tournament does not have a top tier rikishi from Kasugano Beya in 56 years, which was the 2nd-longest active streak in sumo. The longest active streak? Sadogatake Beya at now 59 years (since November 1964), and it’s not stopping anytime soon given their highest-ranked rikishi is now at Sekiwake (Kotonowaka) and they also have Kotoeko plus the recently-demoted Kotoshoho (we might see him up on Day 9 now). The new #2 is Tokitsukaze Beya at 28 1/2 years (May 1995).

Juryo:
Asakoryu (J13) beat Yuma (J13)
Shiden (J12) beat Kitadaichi (Ms3)
Takahashi (J9) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
Tokihayate (J8) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Tamashoho (J7) beat Hidenoumi (J11) by default/withdrawal
Shimanoumi (J12) beat Daishoho (J7)
Chiyoshoma (J6) beat Tenshoho (J10)
Shishi (J5) beat Akua (J10)
Onosato (J5) beat Takakento (J9)
Oshoma (J3) beat Shimazuumi (J2)
Bushozan (J2) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Mitoryu (J4)
Aoiyama (J1) beat Daiamami (J4)
Leader: Onosato (6-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Hidenoumi (J11). Torn left calf muscle suffered yesterday. Out 2 weeks. Tournament over. Will finish the equivalent of 4-11 (4-3-8), tough break because he was 4-2 after a win yesterday. Very borderline on demotion to Makushita as a result but I think that will send him down, but only to Ms1 or 2, making for a chance to return in March. But he MIGHT-emphasis on might-get pity taken on him and only fall to J14.

Lower tier notes: With a 4-0 record so far at Ms1 and promotion secured (one of 4 tied atop Makushita so far), Hakuyozan will return to Juryo in January after being demoted this time. That stops a 3 tournament losing streak that saw him demoted from J6 in May. Also still with a chance at a Juryo return is Kitaharima, the September Sandamne Champion who is also 4-0 at Ms11 (he’s had a cup of sake in the top tier, reaching M15 for one tournament in his 21-year career).

Reminder: Because tomorrow is the halfway point-Day 8-NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top-tier coverage in English tomorrow beginning at 12:10 AM PT/3:10 AM ET.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 6 of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Kokusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Tomokaze (M14) beat Kitanowaka (M17)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Nishikifuji (M16)
Roga (M16) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Tsurugisho (M13) beat Tohakuryu (M15)
Churanoumi (M15) beat Tamawashi (M12)
Ryuden (M10) beat Oho (M12)
Myogiryu (M9) beat Kotoeko (M10)
Hiradoumi (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M8)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Kinbozan (M7) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Takanosho (M6) beat Onosho (M5)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Endo (M8)
Noshikigi (M4) beat Hokuseiho (M7)
Ura (M1) beat Meisei (M2)
Abi (K) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Shodai (M2) beat Daieisho (S)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Hokutofuji (K)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Kirishima (O)
Takakeisho (O) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Takayasu (M3) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Leader: Kotonowaka, Ichiyamamoto (6-0)

Juryo:
Tochimusashi (Ms3) beat Yuma (J13)
Shiden (J12) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Akua (J10)
Asakoryu (J13) beat Tenshoho (J10)
Takakento (J9) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Daishoho (J7)
Choyoshoma (J6) beat Tamashoho (J7)
Onosato (J5) beat Tokihayate (J8)
Takahashi (J9) beat Shishi (J5)
Oshoma (J3) beat Bushozan (J2)
Shimazzuumi (J2) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Aoiyama (J1) beat Mitoryu (J4)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Daiamami (M4)
Leader: Onosato (5-1)

Lower tier notes: Going into the Leader Promotion Days starting tomorrow (Day 4 of 7), 14 are ties for the Makushita lead at 3-0 so any who win tomorrow or Sunday will be promoted. Not among them is Wakatakakage, and it probably means the former Sekiwake now has no chance to get back to Juryo in January from Ms6. He lost today and is now 1-2. 5-2 won’t do it. We’re also down to half the Wakas in Makushita as older brother Wakatakamoto was a withdrawal on Day 5. In the Sandanme, 22 are tied for the lead at 3-0. In the Jonidan, 23 are tied at 3-0 while the Jonokuchi has 4 at 3-0.

UPDATE: Hidenoumi has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 7. Unknown why but more when I find out, hopefully tomorrow. Tamashoho will get the freebie tomorrow. Hidenoumi was 4-2 after beating Daishoho yesterday. He was at Juryo 11 for this tournament so if he can’t return, it’s probably demotion to Makushita.
Also, Nikkan Sports reports Asanoyama, who is at Maegashira 1 but missed the first week due to a torn calf muscle, will return on Day 8. That means he’s in the equivalent of an 0-7 hole and must win out to reach Sanyaku in January. Just one loss the rest of the way means demotion.

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Tohakuryu (M15) beat Roga (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Kitanowaka (M17)
Nishikifuji (M16) beat Tsurugisho (M13)
Churanoumi (M15) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Tomokaze (M14) beat Tamawashi (M12)
Hiradoumi (M11) beat Ryuden (M10)
Mitakeumi (M9) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Oho (M12) beat Myogiryu (M9)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Kotoeko (M10)
Shonannoumi (M6) beat Endo (M8)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Kinbozan (M7)
Onosho (M6) beat Hokuseiho (M7)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Takanosho (M6)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Shodai (M2)
Hokutofuji (K) beat Abi (K)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Daieisho (S)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Ura (M1)
Takakeisho (O) beat Takayasu (M3)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Kirishima (O) beat Meisei (M2)
Leader: Hoshoryu, Kotonowaka, Atamifuji, Ichiyamamoto (5-0)
Of note: On their English language replay, NHk World Japan had to heavily edit the Hoshoryu-Gonoyama pre-match stuff because Hoshoryu STARED FROZEN at Gonoyama for a good 90 SECONDS before putting his hands down to start the match. We saw about 30 seconds though. Their commentator today, Murray Johnson, mentioned he could overhear his stablemaster (a guest on Japanese commentary for NHK) noting in Japanese he was going to have a talk with Hoshoryu about this. Nikkan Sports reports Hoshoryu got a warning from the referee. Hoshoryu also gave Gonoyama his patended “stinky face” eye glance/stare post-match, when that happens you can tell he is en fuego. Do keep in mind he is the nephew of famously hot-headed Yokozuna Asashoryu.
Yokozuna Watch: Takakeisho bounced back from his first loss yesterday and is 4-1, one win off the lead.
Ozeki Watch: Kotonowaka is on the verge of promotion contention now. He needs 13 wins to reach the minimum of 33 over the last 3 tournaments that usually is needed (but not required), but winning the tournament almost certainly would earn promotion.

Juryo:
Oshoumi (Ms2) beat Asakoryu (J13)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Yuma (J13) beat Tenshoho (J10)
Shiden (J12) beat Akua (J10)
Daishoho (J7) beat Takakento (J9)
Takahashi (J9) beat Chiyoshoma (J6)
Tokihayate (J8) beat Shishi (J5)
Tamashoho (J7) beat Onosato (J5)
Shimazuumi (J2) beat Mitoryu (J4)
Bushizan (J2) beat Daiamami (J4)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Oshoma (J3)
Aoiyama (J1) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Leader: Bushozan, Tamashoho, Onosato, Yuma (4-1)

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 4 of the November 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makiuchi (Top Tier):
Kitanowaka (M17) beat Tohakuryu (M15)
Churanoumi (M15) beat Nishikifuji (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Tomokaze (M14)
Roga (M16) beat Tsurugisho (M13)
Tamawashi (M12) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Hiradoumi (M11) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Kotoeko (M10) beat Oho (M12)
Myogiryu (M9) beat Hitaleumi (M9)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Ryuden (M10)
Kinbozan (M7) beat Hokuseiho (M7)
Takanosho (M6) beat Endo (M8)
Midorifuji (M5) beat Onosho (M5)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Shodai (M2) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Abi (K)
Hokutofuji (K) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Ura (M1)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Takayasu (M3) beat Kirishima (O)
Meisei (M2) beat Takakeisho (O)
Leader: 6 at 4-0
Of note: At least one unbeaten will go down tomorrow because of Daieisho-Kotonowaka, who are both 4-0.

Juryo:
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Yuma (J13)
Asakoryu (J13) beat Hitoshi (J11)
Shimanoumi (J12) beat Akua (J10)
Tenshoho (J10) beat Shiden (J12)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Takakento (J9)
Daishoho (J7) beat Takahashi (J9)
Chiyoshoma (J6) beat Tokihayate (J8)
Onosato (J5) beat Chiyomaru (J8) by default/withdrawal
Tamashoho (J7) beat Shishi (J6)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Bushozam (J2)
Daiamami (J4) beat Shimazuumi (J2)
Apiyama (J1) beat Oshoma (J3)
Kotoshoho (J1) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Leader: Onosato (4-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Chiyomaru (J8). Left shoulder. Status uncertain. Happened during yesterday’s match. If he can’t return he will be demoted to Makushita. He needs to return and probably get at least 3 wins to stay in Juryo. Onosato got the free win as a result.