The banzuke for the November tournament in Kyushu was released today by the Japan Sumo Association.
http://www.sumo.or.jp/EnHonbashoBanzuke
Notable elements:
Hakuho – Yokozuna 2E: Having missed the prior basho due to injury, the 69th Yokozuna starts in the bottom slot. Don’t expect this to be an indicator of his performance, if he is healthy I am sure he will lay waste to everyone he faces.
Goeido – Ozeki 1E: As the undefeated champion of Aki, he enters the Kyushu basho as the top Ozeki. Keep in mind, it’s been discussed by the Yokozuna council that should he repeat in Kyushu, he will earn his rope.
Okinoumi – Sekiwake 1W: He moves up 2 slots event with a 8-7 record. This is an result of brutal and punishing outcome of the Aki basho. Okinoumi started strong and finished weak. Let’s hope he can excel in one of Sumo’s toughest slots
Mitakeumi – Komusubi 1E: Big move higher for the young Sumotori. These lower Sanyaku ranks are tough to hold. But he has been looking strong on the Aki Jungyo
Tochiozan – Maegashira #1E: As a fan of Tochiozan, I am very happy to see him get the top Maegashira slot. Best of luck against all of the big men of sumo.
Gagamaru – Maegashira #16E: Somehow, Gagamaru stayed in Makuuchi. I wish him good fortune, and better comportment than his Aki performance.
Other than Kaisei and Endo, I think I did fairly well. I didn’t think Endo would shoot up so high and I hope he doesn’t go 2-13 or 1-14.
Endo continues to be a “Golden Boy” who seems to benefit greatly from fortunate events. Compare that to what happened to Osunaarashi on the Juryo side of the banzuke, or even the Aki banzuke. There are a few NSK favorites that levitated this round, and yes you came quite close on your theoretical rankings.
For example, compare what happened to Osunaarashi for the Aki tournament to what has just happened to Ichinojo! I guess it really all comes down to how poorly everyone else does, maybe. I am really hoping that Osunaarashi is all healthy now and returns to his excellent fighting form. I want him back in Makuuchi.