M1e Takayasu leads with 11 wins, followed by O1e Takakeisho, S1w Hoshoryu, M9w Abi, and M13w Oho with 10. Still in it mathematically are M15e Kagayaki and M16w Hiradoumi with 9 wins. The leader, having faced (and beaten) everyone else except Abi (and Hiradoumi), gets Kagayaki tomorrow, and likely Abi on Sunday. He controls his own destiny. The chasers are paired up: Takakeisho with Oho and Hoshoryu with Abi, while Hiradoumi fights Nishikifuji. A win by Takayasu would leave him in the lead, with only two chasers, while a big upset by Kagayaki would open the race up significantly going into the final day, with the possibility of an epic multi-way playoff.
San’yaku
We have two confirmed Sekiwake for January: S1w Hoshoryu (10-3) and O1w Shodai (5-8), who will have the customary one shot to regain his rank with 10 wins. S1e Wakatakakage (7-6) can join them with one more win, and will be ranked no lower than Komusubi. For S2w Mitakeumi (6-7), two wins save his rank, one loss drops him to Komusubi, and two drop him to maegashira.
K1e Tamawashi (4-9) and and K2e Tobizaru (5-8) will both lose their ranks, while K1w Kiribayama (8-5) will keep his. K2w Daieisho (6-7) must win out to stay Komusubi. Tournament leader M1e Takayasu (11-2) will return to san’yaku.
For those who are counting, that’s at least 5 lower san’yaku rikishi for Hatsu: Hoshoryu, Shodai, Wakatakakage, Kiribayama, and Takayasu. Mitakeumi and Daieisho have a chance of joining them. That probably means that M1w Kotonowaka (8-5) is out of luck, and will once again receive only a half-rank-promotion despite deserving better, although there are scenarios that could see him at Komusubi.
Makuuchi to Juryo
Chiyotairyu’s retirement opens up one slot in the top division. M16e Terutsuyoshi (0-13) and M15w Atamifuji (3-10) will be vacating two more. M8e Takarafuji (2-11) still needs at least one more win to stay, and probably two, depending on the strength of the promotion cases. So we’ll have at least three promotions, and possibly four, as all other incumbents are safe. The current ranked list of promotion contenders is as follows: 1. Tsurugisho, 2. Hokuseiho, 3. Chiyomaru. 4. Mitoryu, 5. Akua, 6. Bushozan. Wouldn’t it be something to see Hokuseiho make his top-division debut?
Day 13 lived up to expectations, leaving chaos and tumult in its wake. Shodai is make-koshi and will be demoted for January. Oho lost to Takayasu, leaving Takayasu as the sole leader in the yusho race with just 2 matches remaining, and an enormous cadre of sumo’s upper division are on the brink of a Darwin match orgy the likes of which not even the almighty has witnessed before. Our mischievous kami is smiling and nodding in hungry anticipation of what is to come.
Highlight Matches
Okinoumi defeats Onosho – For an ace sumo practitioner like Okinoumi, a match like this again Onosho is dead simple. He’s too far in front of his toes, and can only remain upright by leading forward into Okinoumi. Okiniumi steps to the side and pushes him down, and is now 7-6.
Chiyoshoma defeats Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi is so hurt, he can only offer token offense, and really no defense once Chiyoshoma turns on the forward power. It’s a real shame. At least Chiyoshoma grabs Terutsuyoshi’s hand to keep him from hopping off the dohyo. Chiyoshoma improves to 6-7 while Terutsuyoshi is still on the zepai trail.
Aoiyama defeats Atamifuji – Man, what happened to Atamifuji? Aoiyama looks like he is training one of the Sandanme guys back at Kasugano. This has to be injury. Aoiyama applies a surprisingly gentle hatakikomi, and improves to 6-7.
Abi defeats Kagayaki – Best example of Abi-zumo so far this basho. He catches Kagayaki upright, and applies rapid thrust combos to work him back and out. Abi up to 10-3 and maintains his spot one behind the leader.
Tochinoshin defeats Ichiyamamoto – An unexpected and delightful match, where Ichiyamamoto eagerly initiated a yotsu-zumo fight with Tochinoshin. He managed to prevent Tochinoshin to land that left hand outside grip, and frankly had him on the defensive for most of the match. Tochinoshin took the win when he was able to improvise a sukuinage, that Ichiyamamoto nearly shut down. Brilliant effort, and Tochinoshin is 6-7.
Myogiryu defeats Kotoeko – Myogiryu gets his left hand grip almost at once, and Kotoeko is wise enough to know he is in trouble. He works to break Myogiryu’s hold, but can’t quite get him off of his belt. Myogiryu walks Kotoeko to the edge of the ring and throws for the win. Both end the day at 7-6.
Hiradoumi defeats Endo – Endo worked hard to get a mawashi grip, but when he set up his right hand hold, he could not maintain it. Hiradoumi fought back with a blistering thrusting attack, and then dove in for a left hand deep grip. That grip won the match as Endo’s offense was shut down, and Hiradoumi ran him out. Hiradoumi improves to 9-4, and will try to double digits tomorrow.
Ryuden defeats Azumaryu – Again we get to see Ryuden’s strong right hand outside grip carry a match. Azumaryu had excellent thrusting position for a moment at the start of the match, but could not maintain once Ryuden got that grip and turned him to the side. Ryuden stayed focused and walked Azumaryu out for his 8th win, and is kachi-koshi for November.
Nishikigi defeats Kotoshoho – Kotoshoho front loads his sumo, and comes in strong. He’s not really able to do much against Nishikigi’s strong defense, and finds himself quickly pushed out by Nisikigi’s oshidashi. Both are now 6-7.
Ura defeats Takarafuji – Nice to see Ura wait Takarafuji out. They grapple and lock up in the middle of the dohyo, with Takarafuji having a better offensive position. As Takarafuji is Mr “Defend and Extend”, his sumo instincts take over, and he works to wear Ura down. Ura lets him for a fair length of time, and then his sumo instincts switch in. He finds Takarafuji’s left arm, grabs it and gives it a solid tug. Ura is rewarded with a turned around Takarafuji, whom he pushes out from behind. Ura improves to 3-10.
Takanosho defeats Ichinojo – I am going to guess that between his chronically sore back, and the distractions of his off dohyo antics being in the press, Ichinojo is about as deflated as you can make him. Takanosho is struggling himself, but makes fast and fairly easy work of getting Ichinojo moving, and pushed out, advancing to 6-7.
Kotonowaka defeats Midorifuji – Midorifuji had a narrow window to win this match, and he came very close. But then Kotonowaka was able to recover, consolidate his position, and hold Midorifuji far enough away that his bag of tricks were neutralized. Good recovery by Kotonowaka, followed by an oshidashi, and he’s now kachi-koshi at 8-5.
Takayasu defeats Oho – The big match of the day, and it went about as you would expect it to. Takayasu, a former Ozeki, and in good health, was completely under matched by Oho. Maybe some day Oho can work at this level against an opponent of this size and power, but not today. There was a brief second where Takayasu was on one foot following the tachiai, but Oho was in no position to make him pay for that mistake. Takayasu eventually gets a left hand inside grip, and from there, it’s nap time for junior, as Takayasu lays him down and turns off the lights. Takayasu the sole leader at 11-2.
Wakamotoharu defeats Daieisho – Wakamotoharu absorbed a lot of Daieisho’s big thrusting sumo, and managed to stay on his feet and in the match. Daieisho’s attempt at finishing Wakamotoharu flopped, allowing Wakamotoharu to capture him from the side. Daieisho attempted to escape, but simply made matters worse, and Wakamotoharu ran him out. Wakamotoharu kachi-koshi at 8-5.
Sadanoumi defeats Tobizaru – Tobizaru was just a bit too mobile and frantic today, and found himself with his back to Sadanoumi. Sadanoumi is not one to let something like that go, and Tobizaru found his 8th loss by okuridashi. Sadanoumi improves to 6-7.
Meisei defeats Kiribayama – Kiribayama put all of his hopes on a head-hold and pull strategy, which Meisei was able to counter. Without any more meaningful offense, Kiribayama was easy meat once he attempted that pull, and Meisei tossed him into the front row to advance to 7-6.
Mitakeumi defeats Hokutofuji – Mitakeumi holds short on the tachiai, drawing Hokutofuji forward. Off balance, Hokutofuji is easy to drop with a rapid hatakikomi, and both exit the dohyo with 6-7 records. Maybe, just maybe, Mitakeumi can rescue some scrap of dignity with a kachi-koshi.
Wakatakakage defeats Nishikifuji – Wakatakakage was not going to lose this match no matter what. His sumo was so committed that he was continuing his yorikiri down the hanamichi for a short distance. Wakatakakage now 7-6.
Tamawashi defeats Shodai – It fell to sumo’s iron man, as injured as he is, to end the farce that has been Shodai’s Ozeki tenure. It’s a dirty job, but someone had to do it. He comes into the tachiai strong, and turns the oshi-zumo dial to “blast” and proceeds on plan. He takes Shodai out by oshidashi, and improves to 4-9. Shodai make-koshi at 5-8, and will follow Mitakeumi down the ranks to Sekiwake at Hatsu.
Takakeisho defeats Hoshoryu – With only one item of business left on today’s schedule, it was time for Hoshoryu to try and bounce back from his day 12 loss against Oho. But the thing about the “tough” part of the schedule, it is tough. Takakeisho was ready for Hoshoryu, and his sumo was strong and focused, landing volley after volley against Hoshoryu’s chest and body. Hoshoryu was driven from the ring, and Takakeisho advances to 10-3, to stay 1 win behind Takayasu.
We are in the final three days of this tournament, which has turned out to be a real meat grinder for the hopes of many aspiring rikishi. It has been mentioned elsewhere, and from other sumo fan media, that former Ozeki Asanoyama has been working his way back up the banzuke, and yet again dropped his 6th match in Makushita. He could have sailed through with 7-0 sweeps, but evidently, he’s not good enough now to present his opponents with Ozeki sumo. Mitakeumi is out as Ozeki, and if he is not careful, out of Sekiwake as well. Wakatakakage will be lucky to finish with kachi-koshi, and Shodai is all but certain to either follow Mitakeumi to a Sekiwake demotion, or face a day 15 Darwin match to decide his fate. Hard times for current and former Ozeki indeed.
Before this post takes on too negative a tone, there are some bright spots to be enjoyed. The fact that we may see Hoshoryu win the Emperor’s Cup is cause for optimism. His sumo has some areas to fill in still, but it would be wonderful to see him take the cup at least once in his career. I think that Oho has been able to remain focused in spite of his tough matches also deserves our attention and admiration. While his sumo has been sort of vague and uninspired for the last few tournaments, there are seeds of greatness in there too. But let’s not forget the other hopeful, Takayasu. Like his sempai, Kisenosato, Takayasu has always been a bridesmaid. For him to finally win on Sunday would be a just reward for his decade plus of hard work.
On deck to try for kachi-koshi today: Kotonowaka, Wakamotoharu, Ryuden, Kotoeko, Ichiyamamoto, Azumaryu
Kyushu Leaderboard
There is a three way tie at the top of the leader board, and the scheduling team has made sure that after today, only two will remain. Leader: Hoshoryu, Takayasu, Oho Chasers: Takakeisho, Abi, Kagayaki Hunt Group: Kiribayama, Nishikifuji, Onosho, Hiradoumi
3 matches remain
What We Are Watching Day 13
Onosho vs Okinoumi – Okinoumi (6-6) needs to win 2 of the last 3 to secure a winning record for the last tournament of the year. He’s near even (7-8) against 8-4 Onosho, who locked in his winning record on day 12.
Terutsuyoshi vs Chiyoshoma – The dreadful march toward zenpai continues, as winless Terutsuyoshi (0-12) has to find something to try against 5-7 Chiyoshoma today. When I am watching Terutsuyoshi fight this month, every move, every step looks to be a painful chore. Its situations like these that make me recognize that I don’t really know how these people operate.
Aoiyama vs Atamifuji – As if the impending Terutsuyoshi zenpai were just the opening course, much anticipated newcomer Atamifuji (3-9) is packing his bags for an immediate berth on the Juryo barge of the damned. Something went wrong with this guy, as he honestly is a solid rikishi. Hopefully he will be able to rework, recover and renew between now and Hatsu. This is his first ever match against 5-7 Aoiyama, who needs to win his remaining 3 to go home with a kachi-koshi.
Kagayaki vs Abi – Kagayaki is certainly a surprise this basho. After being a poor opponent for most of 2022, he has been fighting well, and winning matches. He’s up against Abi today, with whom he shares a 4-5 career record. Both men start the day at 9-3.
Ichiyamamoto vs Tochinoshin – There are two decisive outcomes possible from this match, either they end the day with Ichiyamamoto (7-5) kachi-koshi and Tochinoshin (5-7) make-koshi, should Ichiyamamoto win, or both take a step closer to a day 14 record of 7-7 and a possible Darwin match on Sunday. Readers know I am hoping for the Darwin outcome.
Kotoeko vs Myogiryu – Myogiryu, at 6-6. comes in with a decisive career lead of 8-2 over Kotoeko (7-5), If Myogiryu manages to win, they both move closer to the Darwin match line for Sunday. A Kotoeko win is kachi-koshi for him.
Endo vs Hiradoumi – Hiradoumi already has his 8th win, and is now fighting for rank in the January banzuke. He’s never matched against flagging Endo (6-6) before, and if he should win, it would move Endo closer to that queue for Darwin bouts I am starting to anticipate.
Azumaryu vs Ryuden – One of these two men, who start the day with matching 7-5 records, will leave the dohyo with your kachi-koshi. If it’s Azumaryu, it will be his first ever winning record in the top division in 4 attempts. I am personally hoping he can pull it off today, or tomorrow. Otherwise…. Darwin!
Nishikigi vs Kotoshoho – Kotoshoho comes into today with a 6-6 record, and either needs to win 2 more, or lose 2 more to finish sorting out his record for November. His opponent, Nishikigi, needs to win the last 3 matches to get to a kachi-koshi. Kotoshoho has a narrow 5-3 career advantage, and I expect Nishikigi to put an extra effort in today to avoid his 8th loss.
Ura vs Takarafuji – Hey! Lets take two banged up rikishi that most fans love, who have matching crummy 2-10 records, an see which one is more miserable today! I honestly think Takarafuji will win this battle of the orthopedic escapees.
Takanosho vs Ichinojo – Speaking of the 2-10 crowd (yes, there’s more than 2), we have Ichinojo. His job today is to hand 5-7 Takanosho his make-koshi. I think that Takanosho with a losing record ranked only at Maegashira 9 is about the most “Sumo 2022” thing we might be able to identify.
Midorifuji vs Kotonowaka – Another match with a solid rikishi starting the day with a 6-6 record, seemingly destined for a day 15 Darwin match. In this case it’s Midorifuji, and he’s up against Kotonowaka at 7-5, who is fighting for his kachi-koshi today. Kotonowaka holds a clear 3-1 career advantage.
Takayasu vs Oho – Either the schedulers got lucky, or the previously mentioned mischievous kami is having a bit of fun. Two of the three co-leaders working to narrow the field to 2. Both are 10-2, and the winner will go on to stake their claim to a portion of, or the entirety of the lead in the yusho race. As this is a first ever match, nearly anything might happen, but I would give a bit of an edge to Takayasu, for being a hungry for this win.
Wakamotoharu vs Daieisho – The 7-5 (Wakamotoharu) vs the 6-6 (Daieisho) pattern once again. One of these two are going to get shunted toward a Darwin match, or if it works out just right, both of them will.
Tobizaru vs Sadanoumi – At least with this match one man’s record will be clarified for November. Both Tobizaru and Sadanoumi start the day at 5-7, and whichever one loses will be make-koshi. The best that either one of them can hope for now is to be part of the growing queue of rikishi looking to be 7-7 at the end of tomorrow.
Meisei vs Kiribayama – Having run out of 7-5 rikishi, the schedulers substituted 8-4 Kiribayama as hammer in this match. He’s got a 3-5 career deficit against 6-6 Meisei, who needs 2 more wins out of the final 3 to end the year with a winning record.
Hokutofuji vs Mitakeumi – These two have had 24 matches over their career (this makes me feel very old), and its a narrow 13-11 advantage for Mitakeumi. He’s already lost his chance to return to Ozeki, and if he can’t win his last 3 matches, he will be make-koshi is well. The best he can hope for is a day 15 Darwin match. Hokutofuji is 6-6, and frankly has been fighting quite a bit better than Mitakeumi.
Wakatakakage vs Nishikifuji – Again the pattern of a 6-6 rikishi (Wakatakakage) battling “uphill” against 8-4 Nishikifuji. The best score Wakatakakage could hope to achieve at this point its a 9-6 make-koshi, which is short of the level of dominant sumo that the sumo association looks for to promote a Sekiwake to Ozeki. It’s a shame, but Wakatakakage earned his record.
Tamawashi vs Shodai – Maybe I am wrong, maybe this match is the most “Sumo 2022” think we could get. A 38 year old rikishi, who took the last tournament’s yusho, is deeply make-koshi, and fighting hammer and tongs against the second Ozeki this year, nay the second Ozeki in two tournaments, to face demotion to Sekiwake, and could be make-koshi today. There. That’s got it. That mischievous kami is just enjoying this far too much.
Takakeisho vs Hoshoryu – Let’s finish the tumult of decay and disorder with this match. At least 9-3 Takakeisho is kachi-koshi, and may even get to double digits. Speaking of that, if he wins today against 10-2 Hoshoryu, he inserts himself into the yusho race, as there would be a single leader going into day 14. Go head kami, let’s have Takakeisho vs Oho tomorrow.
O1e Takakeisho (9-3) is kachi-koshi; his rank is safe at least through March.
O1w Shodai (5-7) must win out to save his rank; otherwise, he’ll be Sekiwake.
S1e Wakatakakage (6-6) needs two more wins to hold rank; his Ozeki run is on life support.
S1w Hoshoryu (10-2) will be Sekiwake in January and has started his own Ozeki run.
S2w Mitakeumi (5-7) needs to win out to stay Sekiwake and can only afford one loss to avoid dropping into the rank and file.
Among the Komusubi quartet, Tamawashi (3-9) will lose his rank, while Kiribayama (8-4) will keep his (or move up). Daieisho (6-6) needs two more wins, and Tobizaru (5-7) must win out. M1e Takayasu (10-2) is set to return to san’yaku; if there’s additional room, M1w Kotonowaka (7-5) is next in line.
Makuuchi to Juryo
Chiyotairyu’s retirement opens up one slot in the top division. M16e Terutsuyoshi (0-12) will be vacating another, as will newcomer M15w Atamifuji (3-9) unless he wins out and gets a very favorable combination of results elsewhere. M8e Takarafuji (2-10) still needs at least one more win and probably two. The current ranked list of promotion contenders is as follows: 1. Tsurugisho, 2. Mitoryu, 3. Akua, 4. Bushozan, 5. Hokuseiho, 6. Chiyomaru.
