Day 15 results, yusho and sansho

[Doitsuyama 1,178]

Kisenosato prevented the zensho yusho with a good win over yusho winner Harumafuji while Hakuho had another loss, this time to ozeki Baruto, to stay two wins behind Harumafuji at 12-3, his worst record since Hatsu 2010, the last time he didn't win the yusho. At least his streak of yusho/jun-yusho stays intact with 23 consecutive now after getting his 12th career jun-yusho (moving up to tied 8th all-time with the leaders being Kitanoumi and Takanohana with 16 jun-yusho).

Toyonoshima had a good 7-1 second week to finish with 9-6 and get straight back to komusubi. Aran should be the second komusubi despite losing his last bout to Kakuryu as Homasho missed his chance for a twelfth win. Okinoumi and Takekaze managed to get the kachi-koshi today, with the first one beating ozeki Kotooshu and should be top maegashira along with Homasho.

Kotoshogiku got the shukun-sho for his win over Hakuho, his fifth career sansho. Homasho even has seven career sansho now as he got awarded a kanto-sho. No gino-sho this time, not even for Kakuryu who finished in double digits with a win over Aran to become an ozeki candidate in Aki. Actually he looks like he's in a slightly better position if Kotoshogiku doesn't get the promotion this time. The ozeki candidate won against Homasho, but 32 wins might be just short of the goal. Next basho he would again have 21 wins over the last basho while Kakuryu has 22 wins after the 12-3 last basho, a score which Kotoshogiku never achieved in makuuchi so far.

Takamisakari had another loss and at 3-12 he clearly is falling out of makuuchi. Daido won to save his place in makuuchi, but Takarafuji, Tochinonada and Kimurayama lost and may not have enough wins to stay. For Kimurayama it is the second basho in a row to fall to make-koshi from 7-6 in the last makuuchi slot, and he might even stay in makuuchi yet again with some banzuke luck.

In juryo it started to look like Masunoyama could lean back and enjoy watching all his pursuers losing before his bout as Tenkaiho and Takanoyama lost, but then Myogiryu beat Yoshiazuma in the last juryo bout. Masunoyama didn't come through as he suffered two yoritaoshi losses, first to Fujiazuma in his makuuchi visit, and then in the yusho kettei-sen against Myogiryu. The juryo yusho is capping Myogiryu's long comeback after his painful 1-2-12 in his shin-juryo basho followed by three missed basho and a fall to low sandanme. He needed four more basho to return to juryo so the injury did cost him 18 months of his sumo career.

There are between four and seven open slots in makuuchi, so the pressure is on the high juryo rikishi to claim their makuuchi places. Four rikishi should be clear promotions with Masunoyama, Yoshiazuma, Tamaasuka and Takanoyama. Kokkai, Hochiyama and Sadanofuji are next in line, all with 9-6 after wins today, but especially Sadanofuji looks like he'll miss out compared to Kimurayama while it's a toss-up for the first two compared to Takarafuji and Tochinonada.

Day 15

Juryo

Ms3e   Chiyoarashi (5-2)   sukuinage	  J13e   Hitenryu (6-9)
J10e   Tsurugidake (10-5)  oshidashi	  J9w	Shironoryu (8-7)
Ms1e   Nionoumi (5-2)	  oshidashi	  J8w	Kanbayashi (3-12)
J7e	Sadanofuji (9-6)	oshidashi	  J9e	Hamanishiki (5-10)
J6w	Kaonishiki (6-9)	hikiotoshi	 J8e	Akiseyama (2-13)
J6e	Sadanoumi (7-8)	 yorikiri	   J13w   Arawashi (5-10)
J5e	Hochiyama (9-6)	 uwatenage	  J10w   Tenkaiho (10-5)
J4w	Aoiyama (7-8)	   oshidashi	  J11w   Kakizoe (1-14)
J4e	Kokkai (9-6)		yorikiri	   J5w	Takanoyama (10-5)
J12e   Masuraumi (10-5)	oshidashi	  J3w	Tamanoshima (6-9)
J3e	Matsutani (7-8)	 okuritaoshi	J11e   Chiyonokuni (8-7)
J7w	Sotairyu (8-7)	  yoritaoshi	 J2w	Bushuyama (7-8)
J12w   Myogiryu (11-4)	 yorikiri	   J2e	Yoshiazuma (9-6)

Makuuchi

M15e   Fujiazuma (10-5)	yoritaoshi	 J1e	Masunoyama (11-4)
M12e   Daido (6-9)		 oshidashi	  J1w	Tamaasuka (8-7)
M11e   Takayasu (9-6)	  hatakikomi	 M14e   Takamisakari (3-12)
M8e	Tochiozan (10-5)	oshidashi	  M10e   Kitataiki (7-8)
M7w	Gagamaru (5-10)	 oshidashi	  M15w   Kimurayama (7-8)
M7e	Tokitenku (8-7)	 yorikiri	   M14w   Tochinonada (6-9)
M6e	Tamawashi (5-10)	oshidashi	  M13w   Shotenro (7-8)
M5w	Wakanosato (9-6)	yorikiri	   M13e   Sagatsukasa (8-7)
M4w	Takekaze (8-7)	  oshidashi	  M11w   Tochinowaka (8-7)
M3e	Wakakoyu (5-10)	 hatakikomi	 M10w   Takarafuji (4-11)

M2w	Toyonoshima (9-6)   oshidashi	  M8w	Miyabiyama (8-7)
M9w	Asasekiryu (6-9)	yorikiri	   M2e	Kyokutenho (2-13)
M1w	Yoshikaze (7-8)	 hikiotoshi	 M12w   Toyohibiki (8-7)
K1w	Tochinoshin (6-9)   yorikiri	   M5e	Kaisei (6-9)
K1e	Goeido (5-10)	   uwatenage	  M3w	Aminishiki (2-13)
S2w	Kakuryu (10-5)	  yorikiri	   M6w	Aran (10-5)
S1e	Kotoshogiku (11-4)  yorikiri	   M9e	Homasho (11-4)
M4e	Okinoumi (8-7)	  yorikiri	   O2w	Kotooshu (9-6)
S1w	Kisenosato (10-5)   tsukiotoshi	O1w	Harumafuji (14-1)
O1e	Baruto (11-4)	   uwatenage	  Y1e	Hakuho (12-3)

List of Yusho

Makuuchi:  Harumafuji (2nd)
Juryo:	 Myogiryu (1st)
Makushita: Naoe
Sandanme:  Amuru
Jonidan:   Maenofuji
Jonokuchi: Sakumayama

List of Sansho

Gino-sho:   not awarded
Shukun-sho: Kotoshogiku (2nd)
Kanto-sho:  Homasho (5th)

Edited July 24, 2011 by Doitsuyama

[Ruziklao 34]

There are between four and seven open slots in makuuchi, so the pressure is on the high juryo rikishi to claim their makuuchi places. Four rikishi should be clear promotions with Masunoyama, Yoshiazuma, Tamaasuka and Takanoyama. Kokkai, Hochiyama and Sadanofuji are next in line, all with 9-6 after wins today, but especially Sadanofuji looks like he'll miss out compared to Kimurayama while it's a toss-up for the first two compared to Takarafuji and Tochinonada.

Takanoyama! (Showing respect...)

[kuroimori 1,634]

Masunoyama was already dead in the water after failing to secure the yusho on his own against Fujiazuma.

He had almost no time to recover and - visibly - regain his breath.

Tough luck for him regarding today's schedule.

But at least he can take comfort in celebrating his Makuuchi promotion!

[Igordemorais 75]

This was the first honbasho I ever watched, before this one I didn`t know anybody and found the sport boring. I was introduced to sumo by a fan in Sherdog and when I understood it I got crazy about it and now I`m passionate. In this tournament I`ve closely followed a few guys: Kotoshogiku, Harumafuji, Baruto, Hakuho, but it was Takanoyama who I rooted for the most and who really caught my attention.

But, makuuchi? at 100kgs? He has no chance there at all, he will go down on his first or second tournament.

[aderechelsea 124]

But, makuuchi? at 100kgs? He has no chance there at all, he will go down on his first or second tournament.

Harumafuji was around that much when he debuted in Makuuchi and look where he is now. I am not saying their careers will be similar in any way but weight alone doesn't do the trick. He could even get 10-20 kgs in the near future when he sees that being a sekitori is much better than carrying Kisenosato's stuff around.

[Harry 67]

But, makuuchi? at 100kgs? He has no chance there at all, he will go down on his first or second tournament.

Harumafuji was around that much when he debuted in Makuuchi and look where he is now. I am not saying their careers will be similar in any way but weight alone doesn't do the trick. He could even get 10-20 kgs in the near future when he sees that being a sekitori is much better than carrying Kisenosato's stuff around.

Ama was about 113kg when he entered juryo and about the same when he entered makuuchi four bashos later and is still not quite 130kg now. It seems like it helped when he got to 126kg. Perhaps now that Takanoyama is sekitori he can eat some Czech food once in a while, meat and dumplings aught to pack some pounds on if he doesn't like chanko and rice.

[aderechelsea 124]

Takanoyama's power/weight ratio must be rather high, possibly at the same level as Kotooshu's when he first entered juryo/makuuchi. After that he packed quite a belly and is a power to be taken seriously.

i am not comparing the two of them in quality but i am rather saying that if weight by itself was a factor we would be talking about Yokozuna Miyabiyama years ago. Taka just needs to stay around in the sekitori ranks long enough to pack some more beef. A plan that is already under way since he made his debut in J5w and is probably off to Makuuchi in just one basho. He created a nice "cushion" below him in case things go wrong there.

[Kintamayama 44,864]

Takanoyama's power/weight ratio must be rather high, possibly at the same level as Kotooshu's when he first entered juryo/makuuchi. After that he packed quite a belly and is a power to be taken seriously.

Takanoyama is a wonder to me. Floundering around in Makushita for years, thin as a noodle. Suddenly, the seas dry up and form a path for him to cross into the big time. We foresee him being clobbered by all the competition. And he goes and wins 10. Well, essentially he met most of the guys he met down there, but still-first basho high up in Juryo and winning 10, next basho in Makuuchi. Who'da thunk it...

Did I mention totally entertaining sumo?

[Jakusotsu 5,894]

I think Takanoyama benefitted most from the 15 day schedule when the occasional and unevitable losses don't matter that much.

[Ruziklao 34]

Takanoyama is a wonder to me. Floundering around in Makushita for years, thin as a noodle. Suddenly, the seas dry up and form a path for him to cross into the big time. We foresee him being clobbered by all the competition. And he goes and wins 10. Well, essentially he met most of the guys he met down there, but still-first basho high up in Juryo and winning 10, next basho in Makuuchi. Who'da thunk it...

Did I mention totally entertaining sumo?

Indeed, agile and active, at least in my view. In the middle part of basho he once henkaed his opponent (Akiseyama?) in a manner making me think: "is he really going to follow this way? so far his sumo was excellent and now that?" It was fortunately only a temporary letdown. His swift edge escape from Myogiryu's push and following okurinage was perhaps the most memorable bout. (Sign of approval...)

[Asashosakari 19,115]

I think Takanoyama benefitted most from the 15 day schedule when the occasional and unevitable losses don't matter that much.

Indeed. (Sign of approval...)

In the same vein I'll admit my surprise that Tenkaiho did so well. Much more vigour there than during Tokushinho's juryo stint, to whom I'd compared him...

[shumitto 418]

In the same vein I'll admit my surprise that Tenkaiho did so well. Much more vigour there than during Tokushinho's juryo stint, to whom I'd compared him...

I thought the comparison was fitting and still do. Juryo this time had the likes of Hamanishiki, Kanbayashi, Kaonishiki and so on. With a more competitive schedule his perfomance will probably be more Tokushinho like I guess.

Edited July 25, 2011 by shumitto

[yorikiried by fate 2,010]

Did anyone hear anything why Fujiazuma was not considered for the kanto-sho? Newbie, double-digits etc.

[Kintamayama 44,864]

Did anyone hear anything why Fujiazuma was not considered for the kanto-sho? Newbie, double-digits etc.

Because he is Jewish.

[yorikiried by fate 2,010]

Did anyone hear anything why Fujiazuma was not considered for the kanto-sho? Newbie, double-digits etc.

Because he is Jewish.

Alright, that's settled then.

[Asashosakari 19,115]

I think it's because he looks like a cross between Ryuo, Wakakirin and Masatsukasa, being Jewish is just compounding things.

[shumitto 418]

Did anyone hear anything why Fujiazuma was not considered for the kanto-sho? Newbie, double-digits etc.

11 or more wins in the first basho are a standard for Kantosho, but 10 no longer is and depends on circumstances or maybe Fujiazuma is just a chubby kid who was bullied at school and the Kyokai don't like those.

Edited July 25, 2011 by shumitto

[Pandaazuma 1,310]

This was the first honbasho I ever watched, before this one I didn`t know anybody and found the sport boring. I was introduced to sumo by a fan in Sherdog and when I understood it I got crazy about it and now I`m passionate. In this tournament I`ve closely followed a few guys: Kotoshogiku, Harumafuji, Baruto, Hakuho, but it was Takanoyama who I rooted for the most and who really caught my attention.

But, makuuchi? at 100kgs? He has no chance there at all, he will go down on his first or second tournament.

I think Mainoumi was around 100kg for most of his Makuuchi career and he made komusubi.

Different kind of body, though. I personally don't think he'd last five minutes in the top half of Maegashira. He seems to have some newfound confidence which may enable him to survive in the bottom half, but it will surely be very tricky to beat people in different weight classes daily with nage and gake techniques.

Now watch him make ozeki, now that I've said that.

[ryafuji 811]

I think Mainoumi was around 100kg for most of his Makuuchi career and he made komusubi.

Ditto Kyokudozan.

[Asashosakari 19,115]

I think Mainoumi was around 100kg for most of his Makuuchi career and he made komusubi.

Ditto Kyokudozan.

They arrived in makuuchi half a decade younger, though.

[Doitsuyama 1,178]

This guy didn't:

http://sumodb.sumogames.com/Rikishi.aspx?r=52

Yes I know he was a college rikishi and worked as a High School physical education teacher before joining Tatsunami stable. His top weight was 113kg and he entered Makuuchi at the age of 29 if my math is correct. Special case maybe but still a case....

I still wonder how he was able to enter Ozumo at almost 28 years old. Obviously the tsukedashi rule was without todays age limit but still... I guess it was worth the risk as he was able to stay nine years as sekitori and still is in Ozumo as Tamagaki-oyakata in Tomozuna-beya.

[Yubinhaad 11,615]

... and still is in Ozumo as Tamagaki-oyakata in Tomozuna-beya.

Interesting - I assumed he only went there because he was borrowing Kaio's toshiyori at the time.

Same goes for Toki , still in Kokonoe-beya - again, I assumed that happened because he was borrowing Chiyotaikai's toshiyori at the time.

[Jakusotsu 5,894]

Interesting - I assumed he only went there because he was borrowing Kaio's toshiyori at the time.

Same goes for Toki , still in Kokonoe-beya - again, I assumed that happened because he was borrowing Chiyotaikai's toshiyori at the time.

Uneducated guess here, but why would you change an employer you are comfortable with?

[Asashosakari 19,115]

Interesting - I assumed he only went there because he was borrowing Kaio's toshiyori at the time.

Same goes for Toki , still in Kokonoe-beya - again, I assumed that happened because he was borrowing Chiyotaikai's toshiyori at the time.

Uneducated guess here, but why would you change an employer you are comfortable with?

And in turn, chances are that the change of location was prompted by a lack of comfort in the old place. Kabu lending is so common that I doubt any rikishi would require the borrower to move just to receive the kabu, so that's not it.

In Toki's particular case, let's not forget he's from the original Takasago side, not the Wakamatsu side that's calling the shots since the merger. He had no particular allegiance to the current Takasago-oyakata.