We last visted the Makushita yusho and promotion races after Day 9, when we were left with 4 undefeated 5-0 wrestlers. The semifinal bouts were as follows:

• Ms16e Hatsuyama vs. Ms28w Kyokukaiyu
• Ms42w Mudoho vs. Ms55w Asakoki

Hatsuyama and Asakoki prevailed and will battle it out for the title on Day 13. Hatsuyama is ranked just a single rung below where a 7-0 record would lead to Juryo promotion. He debuted as a Sandanme tsukedashi back in March 2022 and has now spent two years in Makushita, getting as high as Ms4. His opponent is a 33-year-old veteran who’s been fighting in the lower divisions since 2009, including 51 basho in Makushita, with a career-high rank of Ms11.

Of the ten rikishi in the Ms1-Ms5 promotion zone, seven are still mathematically in the running for a Juryo slot, though the odds are slim for Ms5e Daishomaru (3-3). Top-ranked Ms1e Tochitaikai (3-3) will return to Juryo with a win, but will be eliminated from consideration with a loss. The current promotion queue for the other five stands roughly as follows: Ms4w Aonishiki (5-1), Ms3w Chiyomaru (4-2), Ms2w Wakaikari (3-3), Ms5w Kototebakari (4-2), Ms4e Nabatame (3-3). Chiyomaru visits Juryo tomorrow to take on endangered J14w Oshoumi (5-6). We’ll have to wait until Day 13 or later for the rest of the promotion race action to unfold.