Thankfully, it doesn’t, and we can look forward to four more exciting days of sumo. But let’s take a look at what would change in san’yaku and in the top division if the basho ended today.
First, we’d have two new Komusubi and a new Sekiwake. K1w Hokutofuji’s (3-8) demotion is sealed, while K1e Abi (4-7) can’t afford another loss. S1w Wakamotoharu has the same 4-7 record, so another loss would cost him his rank, but he could limit his fall to Komusubi if he finishes 7-8. At the moment, we’d have new Sekiwake Takayasu (M3e, 7-4) and new Komusubi Midorifuji (M5w, 8-3) and Atamifuji (M8w, 9-2).
Oh, and we could get a new Ozeki. S2e Kotonowaka (9-2) came into this tournament with 20 wins while ranked in san’yaku in the two prior tournaments. If he wins out, he’ll get the nod for sure. 12 wins might also be enough, especially if they come with a yusho. Anything less, and he’ll have to try again in January.
As for Makuuchi-Juryo exchanges, nothing is set in stone yet, but right now we’d have four rikishi on each side of the line trading divisions. J1w Kotoshoho (8-3) would have to have a terrible finish and terrible luck to miss out on a quick return to the top division. J2w Shimazuumi (7-4), J1e Aoiyama (6-5) and J5e Onosato (8-3) are in a good position but still have some work to do. Injury victim M10w Kotoeko (2-8-1) is set to fall if he can’t reenter and pick up a couple of wins. The other endangered incumbents, in order, are M16e Roga (3-8), M17e Kitanowaka (4-7), M15e Tohakuryu (3-8), M16w Nishikifuji (4-7), and M13e Takarafuji (3-8). Given the current odd number of rikishi in Makuuchi, we should see some potential exchange bouts down the stretch, starting with Shimazuumi’s attempt to get his kachi-koshi while pushing down Tohakuryu tomorrow.
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The question is not if Abi is going to henka in the next couple of days. It’s how many he’ll attempt.
I think with Takakeisho, Kirishima, and Hoshoryu performing decently to well, it will be a tough challenge for Kotonowaka to break into the Ozeki ranks. It wouldn’t surprise me if he and Takakeisho switch places in the next couple of basho. It all depends on how healthy Takakeisho will be and how the other rikishi adjust their sumo when they face him.
I’d be surprised if Takarafuji was demoted to Juryo at this point, but he definitely needs wins. I’m sad to see Roga drop so quickly, but that’s on him and he can bounce back like Kotoshoho is doing.
Atamifuji moving into the San’yaku is a good thing. It will push him to learn new things. Hopefully, he’s a diligent student.
Kotonowaka has just defeated Takakeisho and if memory serves, he also defeated Hoshoryu a few days back. He has Kirishima next, which may well turn out to be the title decider. He’s certainly impressive and destined to go higher, but as a woman, I find myself quite unable to root for someone whose upper body looks like that… :))) Go Kiri my main man!
I take it you’re not an Aoiyama fan then?
Kotonowaka has solid fundamentals when his sumo is on he’s a great addition and will be in an Ozeki cadre that has a winded T-Rex, Resting Bitch-Face Nephew (RBFN for short), Kiribayama/shima who is really similar in technique coming from the Mongolian background.
He’s also got the attitude, generally a big nice guy from coverage of him off the dohyo. Kind of like Asa without the whole defy the kyokai and lie about it thing.
Golden Boy for the Yusho!
Lord Shodai for Emperor.
Is there a chance for Atamifuji for reaching Sanyaku from M8W without Yusho? If so it will be very lucky for him. As the whole lot of joi jin failed to get proper result, at the right time when there are vacancies in Sanyaku slot.
Nah, too far. Probably M1/M2 at best.
It is not impossible but requires quite a bit of luck in terms of results from other rikishi. Tamawashi became Komusubi in March 2015 after being M9e in January 2015 with 10-5.
There’s a pretty good chance, depending on how he finishes, how many openings there end up being, and if some of the guys in the joi can win out.