Tag: wrestling

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Endo (M13) beat Roga (J3)
Takanosho (M12) beat Bushozan (M16)
Tsurugisho (M11) beat Shimazuumi (M17)
Oho (M11) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Onosato (M15) beat Sadanoumi (M10)
Kotoshoho (M14) beat Mitakeumi (M9)
Onosho (M14) beat Meisei (M9)
Tomokaze (M14) beat Ichiyamamoto (M7)
Churanoumi (M13) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Nishikigi (M5) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Hiradoumi (M8) beat Tobizaru (M4)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Myogiryu (M12)
Midorifuji (M2) beat Ryuden (M5)
Abi (M2) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Asanoyama (M7) beat Atamifuji (M1)
Ura (K) beat Shodai (M4)
Daieisho (S) beat Kinbozan (M6)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Kirishima (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Hoshoryu (O) by default/withdrawal
Leader: Terunofuji, Kotonowaka (12-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Hoshoryu (O). Ankle. Likely out for the final day. Will finish the equivalent of 10-5 it that is the case so he will maintain his Ozeki status but it cost him a chance at the championship.
Of note: There’s still a playoff chance but either we’ll have a repeat winner or a first-timer. Terunofuji may have been gifted another Emperor’s Cup today because of the Hoshoryu withdrawal but he still has to beat Kirishima tomorrow. Kotonowaka has easier for his potential first championship but not that easy-Tobizaru. The Flying Monkey is going for promotion and, along with Ura, is one of the most unpredictable rikishi in the top tier. If Kotonowaka does win, he either wins his first championship or will have a playoff rematch against Terunofuji. If Kotonowaka loses, Terunofuji is the champion if he beats Kisishima, but if Kirishima wins there would be a 3-way playoff. Elsewhere, that’s 7 straight wins for Abi, who has gone from a 1-6 start to promotion. Onosato has stopped his 4-match losing streak since an 8-1 start with 2 straight wins now, and with 10 wins he’s going to have a chance to win one of the Special Prizes.
Finally, I think we can say with confidence that it’s over for Takaraduji. 5-9 at M16 is going to send him to Juryo for the first time since 2012. If he wins his finale (Kotoshoho, who is now 9-5) it would take Isegahama really flexing his clout to keep his veteran in the top tier, and he’s had that kind of influence in the rankings lately. Maybe too much. A loss and demotion is definite.
Yokozuna Watch: Kotonowaka all but slammed the door shut on Kirishima but there still is hope. If Kirishima beats Terunofuji and Kotonowaka loses to Tobizaru, there will be a 3-way playoff for the championship. That gives Kirishima a good chance, he’ll almost definitely be promoted if he wins while a playoff loss still gives him hope because 12 wins would be equal to the championship. If he finishes 2nd with 12 wins to 13 for Kotonowaka, there’s still a possibility because when Terunofuji was promoted, he was runner-up with 14 wins after a final day loss to Hakuho for the legend’s final championship before retirement after a perfect 15-0 finale.
Ozeki Watch: Promotion is now Kotonowaka’s to lose. If he wins tomorrow, that’s 33 wins and potentially his first championship so it would be pretty much definite. If he is the champion, promotion will happen. If he loses, that’s 32 wins but it’s not mandatory to hit 33 wins so he will have a chance. If no promotion this time, he’s looking at a magic number of 10 wins in March.

Juryo:
Kitaharima (Ms2) beat Akua (J11)
Takerufuji (J10) beat Chiyosakae (J14). TAKERUFUJI JURYO YUSHO!!! The latest Isegahama super-prospect wins his first Juryo Championship and 3rd career championship. In 8 tournaments he has a career mark of 55-8. Depending on his final day result, he’ll probably go up to J1 or J2, with an outside chance of reaching the top tier.
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Tochimusashi (J14)
Yuma (J13) beat Shiden (J8)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Shitokuma (J6) beat Tenshoho (J12)
Oshoumi (J13) beat Chiyoshoma (J5)
Daishoho (J9) beat Tamashoho (J4)
Kotoeko (J4) beat Chiyomaru (J12)
Kitanowaka (J3) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Oshoma (J5) beat Nishikifuji (J2)
Tokihayate (J6) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Asakoryu (J7) beat Daiamami (J1)
Shishi (J7) beat Miroryu (J1)
CHAMPION: Takerufuji (12-2)
Of note: The deal was sealed early. Although both Kitanowaka & Tokihayate win, Takerufuji closed the door and maintained his 2-win lead to end the championship race. At 13-2 or 12-3 when it ends he’s going to have at least a chance at reaching the top tier depending on what happens elsewhere. With Daiamami & Mitoryu both at 7-7 and having to win for promotion tomorrow, Takerufuji probably needs both to lose to reach Makuuchi. If one of both win, I’ll slot him at J1 in March. At the bottom, I think we’re now looking at a minimum of 4 demotions to Makushita-Yuma, Tochimusashi (again), Chiyosakae all for sure and one or both of Tenshoho & Chiyomaru. Kotoeko is in danger but at the equivalent of 3-11 at J4 (missed 3 days due to flu) I think he’s managed enough wins to hang on to salary for March, If he gets a 4th win tomorrow, he’s safe.
As far as Makushita, right now we’re looking at one definite promotion-Wakatakakage, the former Sekiwake who at Ms1 won the championship at 7-0 and will get his salary back, and 2 probable promotions-Kitaharima clinched promotion today at Ms2 and the numbers game is working in his favor, and Hakuoho, who went 6-1 at Ms5 in his return from shoulder surgery and has the rocket fully fired up for a quick return to the top tier, possibly by July. Tsushimanada, who is 4-2 at Ms2 with promotion already clinched, will also have a chance at a Juryo return, and if he wins it should be definite.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage, including the championship matches, playoffs if necessary, Emperor’s Cup award ceremony and champion’s interview, beginning tonight at 11:30 PM PT/2:30 AM ET.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13 (Lower Tier Championship Day) of the January 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Margashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jobokuchi

Makuuchi (Top tier):
Tohakuryu (H2) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Onosato (M15) beat Takanosho (M12)
Sadanoumi (M10) beat Tomokaze (M15)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Meisei (M9) beat Kotoshoho (M14)
Shimazuumi (M17) beat Mitakeumi (M9)
Oho (M11) beat Hiradoumi (M8)
Shonannoumi (M6) beat Bushozan (M16)
Endo (M13) beat Ryuden (M10)
Tsurugisho (M11) beat Shodai (M4)
Asanoyama (M7) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Abi (M2) beat Ichiyamamoto (M7)
Midorifuji (M2) beat Myogiryu (M12)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Kinbozan (M6)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Onosho (M14)
Ura (K) beat Tobizaru (M4)
Nishikigi (M5) beat Daieisho (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Kotonowaka (S)
Leader: Terunofuji, Kotonowaka, Kirishima (11-2)
Of note: RARE KIMARITE ALERT!!! Kirishima beat Hosboryu with a very rare technique called nimaigeri, or ankle kicking twist down. Along the lines of other things that haven’t happened in a long time, the end of a long top-tier tenure, and maybe a career, is potentially near for Takarafuji. He hasn’t been demoted from the top tier in over 12 years but at 5-8 now at M16, that streak is all but over. Another loss and he will definitely be demoted to Juryo for the first time since 2012. Tomokaze will also be demoted along with Aoiyama (absent for the most part) and possibly Endo if he loses out to finish 4-11 at M13. I also would not be surprised if Kinbozan decides to withdraw instead of trying to salvage promotion on his injured right knee, he is 6-7 and clearly affected by the injury..
Yokozuna Watch: Kirishima got the opening he needed with Terunofuji winning. Now if he can beat Kotonowaka tomorrow he can all but clinch promotion. If he wins his last 2 matches he should also get it because that would mean either a second straight championship or, at worst, a playoff.
Ozeki Watch: Kotonowaka still has a chance. He probably needs to win his last 2 matches to guarantee it or, at a minimum, beat Kirishima tomorrow. If he is not promoted this time, he’s looking at probably needing 10-11 wins in March for another chance.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage FOR FREE tomorrow beginning at 12:10 AM PT/3:10 AM ET. The network is available online and on mobile/tablet/smart TV apps and is free to download/watch with no restrictions and no payments/accounts needed

Juryo:
Hakuoho (Ms5) beat Chiyomaru (J12)
Takerufuji (J10) beat Tenshoho (J12)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Daishoho (J9)
Oshoumi (J13) beat Asakoryu (J9)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Shiden (J8)
Shishi (J7) beat Akua (J8)
Chiyoshoma (J5) beat Tochimusashi (J14)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Kotoeko (J4)
Tamashoho (J4) beat Yuma (J13)
Kitanowaka (J3) beat Tokihayate (J6)
Oshoma (J5) beat Roga (J3)
Nishikifuji (J2) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Mitoryu (J1)
Daiamami (J1) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Leader: Takerufuji (11-2)
Of note: And just like that Takerufuji is back on the cusp of the championship. If he beats Chiyosakae tomorrow, which would demote Chiyosakae to Makushita. Takerufuji is the champion. If not, it will have to wait until the Final Day because the Hakuyozan-Kitanowaka winner would be 10-4 and can still force a playoff. There is a chance of a 3-way or 4-way playoff too depending on results and final day matches.
Hakuoho was the Makushita man of the day in Juryo and will finish 6-1 with today’s win. That should be enough to see him return to Juryo from Ms5 but it also will depend on the numbers game-working in his favor is that Wakatakakage is likely the only other promotion coming from Makushita (from Ms1) and there will be at least 2 demotions from Juryo (Tochimusashi & Yuma, there could be as many as 4 more depending on the last 2 days’ outcomes).

Makushita:
Wakatakakage (Ms1) beat Haruyama (Ms41). WAKATAKAKAGE MAKUSHITA YUSHO!!! The former Sekiwake wins his 4th career championship, 2nd Makushita, and will be promoted back to Juryo in March.

Sandanme:
Fujiseiun (Sd26) beat Takashoki (Sd44). FUJISEIUN SANDANME YUSHO!!! The former Juryo man wins his 3rd career championship, 2nd Sandanme, and will be promoted back to Makushita in March. (He was last in Juryo on July when he was absent for the first of 3 straight tournaments)

Jonidan:
Chiyotaiko (Jd74) beat Hokuomaru (Jd58)
Aonishiki (Jd10) beat Mogamizakura (Jd16). PLAYOFF!!! With Chiyotaiko winning earlier, that means the Aonishiki-Mogamizakura match was to determine who would be the second half of a playoff for the championship. That match should happen on the Final Day and will be Chiyotaiko vs. Aonishiki, both 7-0.

Jonokuchi:
Anhibiki (Jk15) beat Asashorei (Jd92). ANHIBIKI JOBOKUCHI YUSHO!!! He wins his debut tournament for his first career championship. This match was in the Jonidan.

UPDATE: Hoshoryu has WITHDRAWN. Knee. Terunofuji gets a free win tomorrow and will remain at least a co-leader going into the Final Day. Status for Final Day uncertain but it unfortunately takes Hoshoryu out of the championship race. He does have 10 wins already so his Ozeki ranking is safe going into March.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the January 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Kokusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makiuchi (top tier):
Shimazuumi (M17) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Oho (M11) beat Bushozan (M16)
Sadanoumi (M10) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Tomokaze (M15) beat Mitakeumi (M9)
Myogiryu (M12) beat Meisei (M9)
Hiradoumi (M8) beat Endo (M13)
Tsurugisho (M11) beat Kinbozan (M6)
Tobizaru (M4) beat Ichiyamamoto (M7)
Shonannoumi (M6) beat Shodai (M4)
Abi (M2) beat Midorifuji (M2)
Kotoshoho (M14) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Nishikigi (M5) beat Atamifuji (M1)
Ura (K) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Onosho (M14)
Daieisho (S) beat Ryuden (M5)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Takanosho (M12)
Kirishima (O) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Terubofuji (Y) beat Onosato (M15)

Leader: Kotonowaka (11-1)
RE-ENTRY: Asanoyama (M7). Will return tomorrow. Missed 4 days after Day 9 withdrawal (ankle). It cost him a chance at the championship as he was 7-1 at the time but he can still earn promotion with at least one more win (he will be the equivalent of 7-5). At worst, I think 7-8 (7-5-3 officially) would keep him at M7 in March.
Yokozuna Watch: Kirishima keeps winning and staying close but it will probably depend on tomorrow when Terunofuji faces Kotonowaka. Kirishima needs Terunofuji to win and he also has to beat Hoshoryu. Not out of it if Kotonowaka wins but it will be a much tougher task although if Kitishima can force a playoff and finish 13-2 that may be enough, even if he loses. If Hoshoryu wins out and takes the championship, he’ll be on the radar for May although the Yokozuna Deliberation Council isn’t exactly smitten with him (he is the nephew of former Yokozuna Asashoryu, who was not exactly a model Yokozuna behavior-wise). (Kirishima leads Hoshoryu 3-2 over the past year but one win was a fusen when Hosboryu was a withdrawal).
Ozeki Watch: It won’t put him at the unofficial 33 wins but if Kotonowaka beats Tetunofuji tomorrow, I believe that’s promotion. 2 of 3 more wins or all 3 should do it for sure. Terunofuji won their last meeting in May 2023.

Juryo:
Oshoumi (J13) beat Daishoho (J9)
Shiden (J8) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
Takerufuji (J10) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Shishi (J7) beat Tenshoho (J12)
Akua (J11) beat Chiyoshoma (J5)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Oshoma (J5)
Tochimusashi (J14) beat Tamashoho (J4)
Kotoeko (J4) beat Yuma (J13)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Roga (J3)
Asakoryu (J9) beat Kitanowaka (J3)
Nishikifuji (J2) beat Chiyomaru (J12)
Tohakuryu (J2) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Daiamami (J1) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Motoryu (J1) beat Tokihayate (J6)
Leader: Takerufuji (10-2)

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

Makiuchi (top tier):
Takanosho (M12) beat Kotoshoho (M14)
Tsurugisho (M11) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Shimazuumi (M17) beat Sadanoumi (M10)
Meisei (M9) beat Endo (M13)
Hiradoumi (M8) beat Bushozan (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M7) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Tomokaze (M15) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Kinbozan (M6) beat Myogiryu (M12)
Mitakeumi (M9) beat Nishikigi (M5)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Ryuden (M5)
Tobizaru (M4) beat Midorifuji (M2)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Shodai (M4)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Abi (M2) beat Ura (K)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Oho (M11)
Kirishima (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Onosato (M15)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Onosho (M14)
Leader: Kotonowaka (10-1)
Of note: It’s likely down to Sanyaku for the championship with a Sekiwake leading then the Yokiozuna & 2 Ozeki one back. Onosho & Onosato are now both in a group 2 back after losses today, which includes Wakamotoharu after he clinched promotion and a return to Sanyaku in March. Also, Asanoyama has now missed enough time with injury that despite starting 7-1 he is now out of title contention even if he returns. Tomorrow might be the last kinboxhi chance this time for anyone when Terunofuji faces Onosato, as I expect all of Sanyaku to face each other based on the standings as we go into the final 3 days. As for Hoshoryu, who is also right there at 9-2, he has Takanosho tomorrow.
Yokozuna Watch: Kirishima hasn’t faced any Sanyaku yet except Daieisho so that’s probably coming after tomorrow. That will decide potential promotion but he still is very much in it. He has Tamawashi tomorrow.
Ozeki Watch: Kotonowaka continues to control his fate but he’s getting closer, now just needing to hold on for his first championship or get 3 more wins. Next up is Onosho.

Juryo:
Tenshoho (J12) beat Chiyonoumi (Ms4)
Daishoho (J9) beat Tochimusashi (J14)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Asakoryu (J9)
Oshoumi (J13) beat Shiden (J7)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Yuma (J13)
Chiyomaru (J12) beat Shishi (J7)
Oshoma (J5) beat Akua (J11)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Tamashoho (J4)
Kitanowaka (J3) beat Takerufuji (J10)
Roga (J3) beat Chiyoshoma (J5)
Togakuryu (J2) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Nishikifuji (J2)
Mitoryu (J1) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Tokihayate (J6) beat Daiamami (J1)
Leader: Roga, Tokihayate, Takerufuji (9-2)
RE-ENTRY: Kotoeko (J4). Will return tomorrow. Missed the last 3 days after withdrawal on Day 9 (flu). Any wins he can get now should prevent potential demotion to Makushita as he is the equivalent of 1-10.
Of note: Out of gas? That’s 2 straight losses and lead lost for Takerufuji after a 9-0 start in his Juryo debut, and it’s now a 3-way tie for the lead. With his 9th win, Roga will probably return to the top tier in March for a second chance after demotion in his first try (if he wins at least one more match he will definitely go back up). On the flip side, Tochimusashi will be demoted back to Makushita after an 8th loss today along with Yuma. He won’t avoid the 3:10 to demotion this time unless he wins out to get to 7-8.

Lower tier notes: It will be Wakatakakage vs. Haruyama for the Makushita Championship with both emerging from today at 6-0. Haruyama beat Tanji (a Sandanme man) then Wakatakakge beat Dewanoryu. Wakatakakage will be going for his 4th championship and second in Makushita before he returns to Juryo in March while Haruyama will be going for his second championship. At 5-1 at Ms5, Hakuoho will also have a chance to return to Juryo in March (a 6th win should make it certain). In the Sandanme, it will be Fujiseiun vs. Takashoki for the championship, with Fujiseiun going for his 3rd championship (second in Sandanme) and Takashoki going for his first career title. The Jonidan may need a playoff as 3 remain tied at 6-0, while in the Jonokuchi Anhibiki (6-0) will be the champion is he wins his final match.