And then there were two. In the first semifinal bout Ikarigata was energetic in his early attacks, but Yago calmly withstood them, reversed the field, and crushed down his younger opponent. The former maegashira will face Asahakuryu Day 13 for all the marbles after the latter dealt impressive newcomer Gyotoku only his second career loss, outmuscling him in a back-and-forth yotsu battle.

In the promotion zone, Ms2w Mudoho (2-4) fell to Inami and is now out of the running. Ms3e Asahakuryu (6-0) should be a lock to go up even if he loses to Yago. Ms1e Kyokukaiyu (4-2) and Ms2e Ishizaki (5-1) are right behind him, though former Ozeki Ms1w Asanoyama (4-2) could leapfrog both in the promotion queue if he wins his final bout and the other two both lose theirs. Ms3w Kitanowaka (4-2) lost to Kamito and can finish no better than 5th in the promotion queue; he can be passed for that spot by Ms5e Nishinoryu (4-2) depending on the outcomes of their final bouts. So we have four strong promotion cases, plus two more potential ones. In Juryo, winless injury victims Nabatame and Mitoryu will be going down for certain. Four others are in danger: by the numbers, Daiamami, Otsuji, and Shimanoumi must win out, while Miyanokaze needs 3 more wins. Expect to see a series of potential exchange bouts over the final three days.

There is no relevant Makushita action tomorrow, so the next update should be on Day 13.