Promotion/Demotion and Yusho discussion Haru 2015

[Asashosakari 20,223]

Day 10 (results, text-only results):

At least Terunofuji is providing a tiny bit of suspense in the yusho race... He's also the first lower sanyaku to secure his spot for the next tournament, already achieving kachikoshi after 9 days. Myogiryu is hanging in there, Tamawashi is probably headed down, and Okinoumi has departed the basho and will be making room for someone new.

Aminishiki had a good shot at returning to sanyaku, but after today's injury he's likely to drop out of the race. With a bunch of decent records in the top 5 ranks, low-ranked outsiders like Tokushoryu, Osunaarashi and Chiyootori are probably not going to figure into the decision this time.

10-0 Hakuho Y1 Harumafuji 7-3

kyujo Kakuryu Y2

7-3 Kisenosato O1 Kotoshogiku 6-4

O2 Goeido 6-4

(o) 9-1 Terunofuji S Okinoumi 0-4-6 (x)

3-7 Tamawashi K Myogiryu 5-5

5-5 Tochiozan M1 Ichinojo 6-4

M2 Takarafuji 5-5

M3

M4 Tochinoshin 5-5

7-3 Toyonoshima M5

8-2 Aminishiki M6

It looks like we won't be seeing many rikishi make the switch between makuuchi and juryo; Shohozan is struggling badly from a high position, but other than him only the bottom-ranked pair of Amuru and Chiyomaru look to be in significant danger, though perhaps ailing Kotoyuki as well. There's almost zero pressure from juryo, however, as the second-best contender is not terribly well-placed Takanoiwa and only Fujiazuma is particularly close to moving up. Third in line is probably Seiro at the moment, whose 10 needed wins by the numbers are almost certainly just 3 in reality.

(4) 0-10 Shohozan M8 Tokitenku 3-7 (1)

(1) 3-7 Yoshikaze M9

(1) 4-6 Kyokushuho M10

M11 Kyokutenho 5-5 (o)

M12 Kotoyuki 4-6 (2)

(o) 6-4 Ikioi M13 Sokokurai 6-4 (o)

(1) 6-4 Sadanofuji M14 Arawashi 5-5 (2)

(1) 6-4 Toyohibiki M15

(5) 3-7 Amuru M16 Chiyomaru 5-5 (3)

(5) 3-7 Kagamio J1 Chiyotairyu 4-6 (4)

(5) 4-6 Kagayaki J2 Asahisho 3-7 (x)

(1) 8-2 Fujiazuma J3 Tamaasuka 4-6 (5)

(4) 6-4 Seiro J4 Wakanosato 5-5 (5)

(x) 4-6 Daido J5

(5) 6-4 Daieisho J6 Takanoiwa 8-2 (3)

(x) 5-5 Hidenoumi J7

The other promotion/demotion race is a bit more exciting, with Kawabata nearly assured of making his sekitori debut - there's no room for him just yet, in part thanks to low-ranked Dewahayate making a push for the 7-0 slot, but it looks very likely that at least two spots will be opening up, so it should only be a matter of time until we can confirm the former tsukedashi starter's promotion. Sotairyu looks likely to provide one space, even if he returns to the basho, and Kotoeko will find it hard to hang on as well. With Ishiura, Kizenryu and Tosayutaka there's another trio who have a lot of work left to do, and as there's no shortage of promotion contenders they shouldn't hope for leniency this basho.

J7 Chiyoo 3-7 (1)

J8 Kitaharima 4-6 (1)

(o) 5-5 Onosho J9 Shotenro 5-5 (o)

(2) 4-6 Masunoyama J10

(3) 3-7 Tosayutaka J11 Sotairyu 2-5-3 (4)

(1) 6-4 Abi J12

(5) 2-8 Kotoeko J13 Akiseyama 6-4 (1)

(4) 4-6 Ishiura J14 Kizenryu 5-5 (3)

(x) 1-4 Azumaryu Ms1 Kawabata 4-1

2-3 Tokushinho Ms2 Nishikigi 3-2

4-1 Wakanoshima Ms3 Shodai 4-1

3-2 Abiko Ms4 Sakigake 3-2

2-3 Takagi Ms5 Oiwato 2-3

...

5-0 Dewahayate Ms13

Edited March 17, 2015 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 20,223]

This basho's 5-0 contenders in the lower division yusho races (Day 9/10 results and links to video where available):

Ms13e Dewahayate (Dewanoumi)

Ms19e Hamaguchi (Kise)

Ms39w Aozora (Kasugano)

Ms57w Mizuta (Takanohana)

---

Sd14w Goryu (Kise)

Sd28w Chiyonokuni (Kokonoe)

Sd46e Hamakasuga (Kasugayama)

Sd68w Kotoseigo (Sadogatake)

Sd85e Daishozen (Oitekaze)

Sd88w Aratoshi (Irumagawa)

---

Jd10e Kansei (Sakaigawa)

Jd30w Tochinohama (Kasugano)

Jd48e Tagonofuji (Tagonoura)

Jd64e Onokura (Miyagino)

Jd74e Oseumi (Onomatsu)

Jd87e Takunoumi (Minezaki)

---

Jk16w Hishofuji (Azumazeki)

Haven't had time to watch any of these guys fight, but I daresay the lowest three divisions have obvious favourites in the three injury returnees Chiyonokuni, Kansei and Hishofuji, with only Tochinohama perhaps able to throw a spanner into the jonidan works. Makushita looks more open, although the winner is likely to come from tomorrow's Dewahayate-Hamaguchi bout.

The number of unbeaten rikishi is such that we're likely to get one playoff, either in sandanme or in jonidan. (Probably jonidan, as I expect the winner of Kansei-Tochinohama to beat the winner of Daishozen-Aratoshi.)

[Asashosakari 20,223]

Day 11 (results, text-only results):

11-0 Hakuho Y1 Harumafuji 8-3

kyujo Kakuryu Y2

8-3 Kisenosato O1 Kotoshogiku 7-4

O2 Goeido 6-5

So much for that yusho race between Hakuho and Terunofuji. In the process the dai-yokozuna sent Goeido a bit closer to another makekoshi, although his remaining schedule (Harumafuji, Terunofuji, two maegashira) will probably still see him eke out an 8-7 again. Fellow ozeki Kisenosato is now kachikoshi despite the rough 2-3 start, and Kotoshogiku looks set to KK soon, too.

The two komusubi went opposite ways today, which means Tamawashi is still not quite out of it, while Myogiryu now also needs to win 3 out of 4. Tochiozan and Ichinojo look likely to move up when all is said and done.

(o) 9-2 Terunofuji S Okinoumi 0-4-7 (x)

4-7 Tamawashi K Myogiryu 5-6

6-5 Tochiozan M1 Ichinojo 7-4

M2 Takarafuji 5-6

M3

M4 Tochinoshin 5-6

7-4 Toyonoshima M5

Fujiazuma now has the numbers to stage a makuuchi return a year after his last appearance there, and while there's still no official space for him it should be only a formality in the end. Amuru survived his second MK/demotion battle, but Shohozan remains winless and now likely needs to win the remainder as well. Meanwhile, Kyokushuho and Sadanofuji are now safe.

(4) 0-11 Shohozan M8 Tokitenku 3-8 (1)

(1) 3-8 Yoshikaze M9

(o) 5-6 Kyokushuho M10

M11

M12 Kotoyuki 4-7 (2)

M13

(o) 7-4 Sadanofuji M14 Arawashi 5-6 (2)

(1) 6-5 Toyohibiki M15

(4) 4-7 Amuru M16 Chiyomaru 6-5 (2)

(x) 3-8 Kagamio J1 Chiyotairyu 4-7 (4)

(?) 4-7 Kagayaki J2

(o) 9-2 Fujiazuma J3 Tamaasuka 5-6 (4)

(4) 6-5 Seiro J4 Wakanosato 5-6 (?)

J5

(?) 6-5 Daieisho J6 Takanoiwa 8-3 (3)

Juryo does have its first definite demotion now, courtesy of Kotoeko's 9th loss. Sotairyu is returning to the basho tomorrow, but bad start and four absent days have pushed him to the brink of demotion. Both J14 are now 5-6, Ishiura with a win and Kizenryu with a loss - still a tough road ahead for them, and both are likely to face motivated makushita opponents around Day 14 if they aren't already makekoshi then. Kitaharima and Akiseyama won today and can plan ahead for another sekitori tournament.

The two main promotion contenders Dewahayate and Kawabata were also successful, and the latter is now guaranteed to be at least second in line, which is almost certainly going to be enough. There's a big battle among the four rikishi right behind him, though, and with just one bout to go it's anybody's guess who might get promoted there if more spots do open up. The Ms4's and Ms5's should be out of it already and can only hope to finish 4-3 to put themselves into a favourable position for next time.

J7 Chiyoo 3-8 (1)

J8 Kitaharima 5-6 (o)

J9

(1) 5-6 Masunoyama J10

(3) 3-8 Tosayutaka J11 Sotairyu 2-5-4 (4)

(1) 6-5 Abi J12

(x) 2-9 Kotoeko J13 Akiseyama 7-4 (o)

(3) 5-6 Ishiura J14 Kizenryu 5-6 (3)

Ms1 Kawabata 5-1

3-3 Tokushinho Ms2 Nishikigi 4-2

4-2 Wakanoshima Ms3 Shodai 4-2

3-3 Abiko Ms4 Sakigake 3-3

2-3 Takagi Ms5 Oiwato 2-3

...

6-0 Dewahayate Ms13

[Asashosakari 20,223]

Lower division races (Day 11 results and links to video where available):

Ms13e Dewahayate (Dewanoumi) 6-0

Ms19e Hamaguchi (Kise) 5-1

Ms39w Aozora (Kasugano) 5-1

Ms57w Mizuta (Takanohana) 6-0

---

Sd14w Goryu (Kise) 5-1

Sd28w Chiyonokuni (Kokonoe) 6-0

Sd46e Hamakasuga (Kasugayama) 5-1

Sd68w Kotoseigo (Sadogatake) 6-0

Sd85e Daishozen (Oitekaze) 5-0

Sd88w Aratoshi (Irumagawa) 5-0

---

Jd10e Kansei (Sakaigawa) 6-0

Jd30w Tochinohama (Kasugano) 5-1

Jd48e Tagonofuji (Tagonoura) 5-1

Jd64e Onokura (Miyagino) 6-0

Jd74e Oseumi (Onomatsu) 6-0

Jd87e Takunoumi (Minezaki) 5-1

---

Jk16w Hishofuji (Azumazeki) 5-0

No surprises so far. Kansei's win should ensure they're going to do a paint-by-numbers schedule that puts him against the Daishozen-Aratoshi winner. Makushita should see the 7-0 head-to-head bout - the rank difference is large and Dewahayate has a promotion riding on the bout, but with him having sekitori experience, I don't think they'll feel the need to test him against a top-ranker.

Edited March 18, 2015 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 20,223]

Day 12 (results, text-only results):

12-0 Hakuho Y1 Harumafuji 9-3

kyujo Kakuryu Y2

8-4 Kisenosato O1 Kotoshogiku 7-5

O2 Goeido 6-6

Hakuho maintained his unblemished record, today at Kotoshogiku's expense. Fellow yokozuna Harumafuji also won, putting Goeido at a level record, while Kisenosato had the usual ozeki post-KK blues and lost to Tochinoshin. Terunofuji beat sanyaku candidate Toyonoshima and is in double-digits, so he's definitely in position to start up an ozeki run now.

Opposite results for the komusubi pair again, so Tamawashi is certain to move down after all and Myogiryu is back in a decent spot at 6-6. Ichinojo was also successful and is the first joi maegashira in KK territory, but isn't quite guaranteed a sanyaku return yet as Tochiozan and Takarafuji can still finish ahead of him.

(o) 10-2 Terunofuji S Okinoumi 0-4-8 (x)

(x) 4-8 Tamawashi K Myogiryu 6-6

7-5 Tochiozan M1 Ichinojo 8-4

M2 Takarafuji 6-6

M3

M4 Tochinoshin 6-6

7-5 Toyonoshima M5

Running his record to 0-12, Shohozan is now the first rikishi who's demotable by the numbers. He's ranked quite high and might be able to expect some leniency, but of course he'd need to win his remaining three bouts first... Amuru remains the only other rikishi in big danger, though he survived another day today; everybody else just needs one more win.

So that's likely to mean two open makuuchi slots when we're done here, and the "race" for the second spot may become weirdly interesting. Takanoiwa was victorious after two winless days and is the main candidate for now. Talented Kagayaki won't be making the move to makuuchi this basho, having dropped to MK today for the first time in 11 tournaments.

(?) 0-12 Shohozan M8 Tokitenku 3-9 (1)

(1) 3-9 Yoshikaze M9

M10

M11

M12 Kotoyuki 5-7 (1)

M13

M14 Arawashi 6-6 (1)

(1) 6-6 Toyohibiki M15

(3) 5-7 Amuru M16 Chiyomaru 7-5 (1)

J1 Chiyotairyu 5-7 (3)

(x) 4-8 Kagayaki J2

(o) 10-2 Fujiazuma J3 Tamaasuka 5-7 (?)

(3) 7-5 Seiro J4 Wakanosato 6-6 (?)

J5

(x) 6-6 Daieisho J6 Takanoiwa 9-3 (2)

Sotairyu is the second rikishi who's forced to vacate his juryo position, with a loss against yesterday's demotee Kotoeko of all people. That decision means Kawabata is now guaranteed a promotion. Tosayutaka, Ishiura and Kizenryu all won, so there aren't any rikishi who need to win on all three remaining days.

Down in makushita both Ms5's lost and are makekoshi now.

J7 Chiyoo 4-8 (o)

J8

J9

(1) 5-7 Masunoyama J10

(2) 4-8 Tosayutaka J11 Sotairyu 2-6-4 (x)

(1) 6-6 Abi J12

(x) 3-9 Kotoeko J13

(2) 6-6 Ishiura J14 Kizenryu 6-6 (2)

Ms1 Kawabata 5-1 (o)

3-3 Tokushinho Ms2 Nishikigi 4-2

4-2 Wakanoshima Ms3 Shodai 4-2

3-3 Abiko Ms4 Sakigake 3-3

(x) 2-4 Takagi Ms5 Oiwato 2-4 (x)

...

6-0 Dewahayate Ms13

No juryo-makushita matches tomorrow, and only Sakigake (who won't be getting promoted) is active among the makushitans altogether, so all eyes will be on Dewahayate for now.

[Asashosakari 20,223]

There's actually a pretty good juryo yusho race going this basho, as 10-2 Fujiazuma is chased by Takanoiwa, Satoyama and newcomer Amakaze. Tenkaiho at 8-4 may also still be in it, although having four rikishi ahead of him will make it difficult. We're getting some interesting matches there tomorrow with Fujiazuma-Takanoiwa in the upper half and the heavyweight clash of Tenkaiho and Amakaze in the lower ranks.

Lower division races (Day 12 results and links to video where available):

Ms13e Dewahayate (Dewanoumi) 6-0

Ms57w Mizuta (Takanohana) 6-0

---

Sd28w Chiyonokuni (Kokonoe) 6-0

Sd68w Kotoseigo (Sadogatake) 6-0

Sd85e Daishozen (Oitekaze) 5-1

Sd88w Aratoshi (Irumagawa) 6-0

---

Jd10e Kansei (Sakaigawa) 6-0

Jd64e Onokura (Miyagino) 6-0

Jd74e Oseumi (Onomatsu) 6-0

---

Jk16w Hishofuji (Azumazeki) 6-0

They've gone for the usual schedule with an Aratoshi-Kansei matchup across the divisions, Hishofuji facing 5-1 jonidan fodder, and all other 6-0's paired up in their respective division. Dewahayate is obviously the big favourite in makushita, but he wouldn't be the first to falter in this scenario, with his promotion on the line.

Edited March 19, 2015 by Asashosakari

[Andreas21 219]

Terunofuji might even have started the Ozeki run last time. An 8-7 12-3 13-2 could do. At Goeido standard even 8-7 12-3 12-3 could suffice, although they might have raised it. At Baruto standard, they wouldn't (non promotion at 12-3 9-6 12-3).

Could be real Sanyaku crowding this time, for a change. Myogiryu, Ichinojo, Tochiozan, Takarafuji can realistically win all remaining bouts, they all have all the big boys done (except Ichinojo-Terunofuji).

[kuroimori 1,634]

ms13e Dewahayate captured the Makushita Yusho today, winning against ms57w Mizuta, finishing with a perfect 7-0 record and thereby securing himself a ticket up to Juryo for the next basho.

This adds a little more spice to the Juryo/Makushita promotion/demotion situation.

[Jakusotsu 6,389]

Terunofuji might even have started the Ozeki run last time. An 8-7 12-3 13-2 could do. At Goeido standard even 8-7 12-3 12-3 could suffice, although they might have raised it. At Baruto standard, they wouldn't (non promotion at 12-3 9-6 12-3).

Don't forget Terunofuji is far from established in Sanyaku (quite on the contrary), and that 8-7 as Maegashira counts for nothing, even by Goeido standard.

[kuroimori 1,634]

sd28w Chiyonokuni won the Sandanme Yusho by applying the mother of all double-handed oshi, sending sd68w Kotoseigo flat on his behind with the very first thrust right at the tachi-ai - powerful stuff!

[Andreas21 219]

Don't forget Terunofuji is far from established in Sanyaku (quite on the contrary), and that 8-7 as Maegashira counts for nothing, even by Goeido standard.

I didn't. Just recently I learned that Sanyaku is not a necessary condition. Also double-digits wins thrice are not. (Should it matter if the poorer result is in the middle? I think not). Also sum of 33 is not.

Being "established" as a condition is new to me.

Anyway, it's up to the committee. I guess we won't find out cause Terunofuji won't get those 13s after all. Unless ... (Eh?) ... well ... (Sigh...) ... hang on ... (Dribbling...)

Edited March 20, 2015 by Andreas21

[Mongolith 51]

Hoping Andreas is right. Fuji is looking more like an Ozeki than Goeidos poor imitation. Until recently they stuck with two consecutive wins for yok until Kak's promotion (I know the criteria is equivalent but they seemed to treat it as a rule) and many felt that Ichi would not get Sekiwake after his 1st basho. Maybe they break tradition and promote him if he wins the next basho or comes damn close.

Edited March 20, 2015 by Mongolith

[Gurowake 4,148]

I would expect two 13-2s at minimum to be needed for Ozeki by Nagoya for Terunofuji, and he'd have to win the Yusho at least once. I still wouldn't consider it enough; starting from M2 and as shin-sanyaku, I think he'd need 35 wins in 3 tournaments, meaning 13-2 now and 14-1 in Natsu. It's much more realistic to consider the Ozeki run starting this tournament.

Goeido got his promotion partly due to longevity at Sekiwake; Terunofuji has been a sekitori less basho than Goeido was at Sekiwake. Goeido also had multiple 11-win Sekiwake basho before his final Ozeki run that may have played a part in loosening the normal 3-basho requirements.

Ichinojo was Sekiwake for his second Makuuchi basho because he had the 2nd best rank+record among those below Ozeki. One could say that Ikioi may have been a better choice since he was closer, but neither had a full joi schedule (a typical reason for ignoring the numbers), and Ichinojo even faced more of the YokOzeki.

[Tenshinhan 1,612]

Just recently I learned that Sanyaku is not a necessary condition.

Don't forget about Gagamarus Ozeki-run. 11 wins last basho and already 10 wins this time... :-P

[ronnie 221]

Just recently I learned that Sanyaku is not a necessary condition.

Don't forget about Gagamarus Ozeki-run. 11 wins last basho and already 10 wins this time... :-P

On that criteria, what about Tochinoshin?

39 wins in three consecutive basho with two yusho.

Why isn't this guy a Yok??????????????

[Kintamayama 47,179]

sd28w Chiyonokuni won the Sandanme Yusho by applying the mother of all double-handed oshi, sending sd68w Kotoseigo flat on his behind with the very first thrust right at the tachi-ai - powerful stuff!

Chiyonokuni healthy is a Makuuchi-level rikishi, so no surprise there..

[kuroimori 1,634]

sd28w Chiyonokuni won the Sandanme Yusho by applying the mother of all double-handed oshi, sending sd68w Kotoseigo flat on his behind with the very first thrust right at the tachi-ai - powerful stuff!

Chiyonokuni healthy is a Makuuchi-level rikishi, so no surprise there..

Yes, I agree, but still to thump someone down in best "Bud Spencer" fashion was impressive nonetheless*

*one of the words I always like to use, other estimated forum members's favorite vocabulary notwithstanding :-)

[Kintamayama 47,179]

Yes, I agree, but still to thump someone down in best "Bud Spencer" fashion was impressive nonetheless*

Bud Spencer.. Memories..

[dingo 1,477]

Yeah, I don't think Ozeki promotion is going to happen for Terunofuji unless he has a yusho this or next basho. 8-7 is probably not enough to really stake a claim and I think it would be better for Terunofuji as well to have three strong results in sanyaku in order to make his possible ozekihood indisputable.

[dingo 1,477]

Yes, I agree, but still to thump someone down in best "Bud Spencer" fashion was impressive nonetheless*

Bud Spencer.. Memories..

Bud Spencer and Terrence Hill, now that takes me back!

[Asashosakari 20,223]

Day 13 (results, text-only results):

12-1 Hakuho Y1 Harumafuji 10-3

kyujo Kakuryu Y2

8-5 Kisenosato O1 Kotoshogiku 7-6

O2 Goeido 7-6

Maybe it's too little, too late, but Terunofuji's stunning victory today did put him only one win off Hakuho's pace again, so we just might have a yusho race that isn't decided before Day 15. Harumafuji moved up into double digits against Kisenosato, while Kotoshogiku (with a loss) and Goeido (with a win) are both 7-6 now.

Myogiryu prevailed in a potentially crucial bout against Ichinojo, and is only one win away from securing his sanyaku position now, most likely even with a promotion to sekiwake if he does it. Tochiozan has called first dibs on the open slots, improving to KK today, while Takarafuji kept up his chances of passing Ichinojo. Tochinoshin lost to Goeido and is nearly out of it now, needing to win both remaining bouts and Myogiryu/Takarafuji/Toyonoshima to lose all of theirs. Toyonoshima for his part is unlikely to sneak past Ichinojo for the second slot, but can still hope for a Myogiryu MK to open up a third (though he'd also need Takarafuji to lose at least once).

(o) 11-2 Terunofuji S Okinoumi 0-4-9 (x)

(x) 4-9 Tamawashi K Myogiryu 7-6

(o) 8-5 Tochiozan M1 Ichinojo 8-5

M2 Takarafuji 7-6

M3

M4 Tochinoshin 6-7

8-5 Toyonoshima M5

Having already beaten Kotoshogiku today, Toyonoshima gets another shot to down an ozeki in Goeido on Day 14. Kotoshogiku's KK quest continues against Harumafuji who's technically still in the yusho race at two wins behind his senshuraku opponent Hakuho. In the maegashira-joi the list of sanyaku contenders may be thinned out by tomorrow's Takarafuji-Tochinoshin matchup.

13th loss of the basho (and 15th straight) for Shohozan, so his makuuchi time will definitely be coming to an end after three and a half straight years in the top division. Chiyomaru and Yoshikaze are safe after winning today, as is Arawashi who won a safety playoff against Toyohibiki. Amuru managed to not drop for yet another day, running his winning streak to 4 days.

Down in juryo it's Chiyotairyu who said bye-bye to the promotion race via makekoshi, and Wakanosato should be fully out of it as well now. Seiro is also no longer in by the numbers, and as Fujiazuma won the high-profile bout of the day against Takanoiwa, the latter isn't looking too great either.

(x) 0-13 Shohozan M8 Tokitenku 3-10 (1)

(o) 4-9 Yoshikaze M9

M10

M11

M12 Kotoyuki 5-8 (1)

M13

M14 Arawashi 7-6 (o)

(1) 6-7 Toyohibiki M15

(2) 6-7 Amuru M16 Chiyomaru 8-5 (o)

J1 Chiyotairyu 5-8 (x)

J2

(o) 11-2 Fujiazuma J3 Tamaasuka 6-7 (?)

(?) 7-6 Seiro J4 Wakanosato 6-7 (x)

J5

J6 Takanoiwa 9-4 (2)

I was tempted to add Tenkaiho (J8e 9-4) and even Satoyama (J10w 10-3) to the table, but I'll wait another day to see if they have actually pushed themselves into the promotion race.

Nobody's newly safe in low juryo as Masunoyama and Abi (against fellow demotion candidate Ishiura) both lost. Kizenryu was a loser as well and needs back-to-back wins now. Meanwhile, Dewahayate grabbed the automatic 7-0 promotion in makushita, so the two definitely available spots are both claimed.

(1) 5-8 Masunoyama J10

(1) 5-8 Tosayutaka J11 Sotairyu 3-6-4 (x)

(1) 6-7 Abi J12

(x) 3-10 Kotoeko J13

(1) 7-6 Ishiura J14 Kizenryu 6-7 (2)

Ms1 Kawabata 5-1 (o)

3-3 Tokushinho Ms2 Nishikigi 4-2

4-2 Wakanoshima Ms3 Shodai 4-2

3-3 Abiko Ms4 Sakigake 4-3

Ms5

...

(o) 7-0 Dewahayate Ms13

Sakigake's KK-clinching win today may end up not moving him up much at all, the top makushita ranks look set to be quite crowded for the next banzuke-making session. We're going to have four exchange bouts, with the Ms2's Tokushinho (against Abi) and Nishikigi (against Kizenryu) starting things off tomorrow, before the Ms3 pair Wakanoshima and Shodai get their shots on Day 15 as well.

Edited March 20, 2015 by Asashosakari

[Asashosakari 20,223]

In addition to Fujiazuma beating Takanoiwa in juryo today, we also saw Tenkaiho win the big-man bout against Amakaze, and Day 14 will see another pair of matchups among the five yusho contenders there - Fujiazuma faces his last remaining pursuer Satoyama, Takanoiwa and Tenkaiho fight for the chance to play a role on Day 15 if Fujiazuma loses that one, and Amakaze meets KK-chasing youngster Daieisho. Takanoiwa will have faced the other quartet completely after that, Tenkaiho and Satoyama have also met all possible opponents (three in their case as they can't fight each other). Fujiazuma-Amakaze is still a possibility for senshuraku but might only happen if Fujiazuma's yusho isn't decided yet and Amakaze is still in the race himself.

Arasoi:

11-2: Fujiazuma

10-3: Satoyama

9-4: Takanoiwa, Tenkaiho, Amakaze

Lower division yusho decisions (Day 13 results and links to video where available):

Ms13e Dewahayate (Dewanoumi) 7-0

Ms57w Mizuta (Takanohana) 6-1

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Sd28w Chiyonokuni (Kokonoe) 7-0

Sd68w Kotoseigo (Sadogatake) 6-1

Sd88w Aratoshi (Irumagawa) 6-1

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Jd10e Kansei (Sakaigawa) 7-0

Jd64e Onokura (Miyagino) 6-1

Jd74e Oseumi (Onomatsu) 7-0

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Jk16w Hishofuji (Azumazeki) 7-0

Pretty much a sweep for the odds-on favourites this basho, and I can't imagine that super-veteran Oseumi will be able to prevent Kansei from completing it.

Edited March 20, 2015 by Asashosakari

[Gurowake 4,148]

So who will Sakigake pass on the banzuke? For sure I can only see Azumaryu, Kotoeko, and Sotairyu right now, and Sotairyu I'm not 100% sure on. Kizenryu if he doesn't win either of his bouts. Abiko and Tokushino if they lose. Maybe Tosayutaka if he loses both. Given that he's being passed by Dewahayate, he might just move up one full rank, but it'll likely be 3 or 4 spots. It's also going to be rough luck on Chiyoarashi with his 6-1 from Ms9 who would probably normally get something near the top, but I think he's definitely going to be behind Sakigake.

[Jakusotsu 6,389]

Pretty much a sweep for the odds-on favourites this basho, and I can't imagine that super-veteran Oseumi will be able to prevent Kansei from completing it.

Yeah, but I may still dream :-)

[Asashosakari 20,223]

It's also going to be rough luck on Chiyoarashi with his 6-1 from Ms9 who would probably normally get something near the top, but I think he's definitely going to be behind Sakigake.

They did push up Kawabata very high last time on 6 wins, so I wouldn't even be surprised if Chiyoarashi goes ahead of Sakigake, too, perhaps Mitakeumi as well if he finishes 6-1.