My previous posts introduced the Makushita yusho and promotion races and kept track of them through Day 8. Given the number of impactful Day 9 bouts, it’s time for another update. The next one should come on Day 11, since there’s not much relevant action tomorrow. In Juryo, rookie J10e Takerufuji continued trucking along, extending his record to 9-0 by expertly pulling down fellow rookie J13w Oshoumi (3-6), who needs to start winning in a hurry to avoid demotion. The other rikishi most in danger of losing their salary are also at the bottom of the division: J13e Yuma (2-7), J14w Tochimusashi (3-6), and J14e Chiyosakae (4-5). The exception is J4w Kotoeko (1-8), who pulled out and is very likely to drop unless he can return and pick up another win or two. So there could be a decent number of openings in the second division, and as we’ll see below, we have an exciting race for these coveted spots.

Back to the Makushita yusho race. After day 8, we had the following quarterfinal bracket:

• Ms1w Wakatakakage vs. Ms8e Onokatsu
• Ms18e Dewanoryu vs. Ms25w Mudoho
• Ms37w Omoto vs. Ms41w Haruyama
• Ms53e Akinoyama vs. Sd1e Tanji

Former Sekiwake Wakatakakage didn’t have much trouble dispatching Onokatsu. Dewanoryu easily handled Mudoho. Haruyama pulled off a last-second reversal at the rope to eliminate Omoto, and Tanji overcame gaps of 200 pounds in weight and 14 years in age and experience to knock off his 4th (!!) Makushita opponent this basho, Akinoyama. This already puts him in rare company, and he can move into a tie for second place on this list if he can upset Haruyama in the next round. Wakatakakage has to be the clear favorite for the yusho. He’ll face Dewanoryu next, with the winner taking on either Haruyama, or, since they don’t pull Sandanme rikishi that high up the banzuke, the best available 5-1 opponent.

Here is where things stand in the Ms1-Ms5 promotion zone. Ms1w Wakatakakage (5-0) is a lock to go up, and Ms2e Tsushimanada (4-1) has probably done enough to join him. Wily veteran Ms2w Kitaharima (3-2) got the best of Ms1e Kayo (2-3), who now must win out. Kitaharima will try to make his own luck when he visits Juryo tomorrow seeking his all-important 4th win against Yuma, who can only afford one more loss. Ms5w Hakuoho (4-1) prevailed in a highly entertaining bout with up-and-comer Ms8w Kototebakari, staying on track for the 6 wins he needs to ensure re-promotion. Finally, Ms4e Chiyonoumi (2-3) and Ms5e Kiryuko (2-3) must win the rest of their bouts and hope for good banzuke luck; everyone else is out of even theoretical contention.

Come back after Day 11 action for an update on the yusho and promotion races!