Promotion/Demotion and Yusho discussion Hatsu 2018

Asashosakari · January 22, 2018

2-3-3 Hakuho Y1 Kisenosato 1-5-2
8-0 Kakuryu Y2
5-3 Goeido O Takayasu 5-3

For the third tournament in a row there's only one yokozuna who looks to be making it all the way through the 15 days; this time it's Kakuryu's turn. Fresh off two completely skipped basho he appears to be back in prime form and has expertly dismantled his opposition so far. Hakuho and Kisenosato on the other hand both looked ill-conditioned for basho action in various ways (whether that be physical or mental) and quickly departed the competition.

The ozeki pair has entered the basho free from kadoban worries, and both Goeido and Takayasu have looked great on some days, not so much on others. Given the depleted top ranks there should be enough winnable bouts for them to easily finish KK from 5-3.

Unlike Aki the rest of the joi records look pretty normal, i.e. mediocre, despite the lack of top-ranker dominance - with the stellar exceptions being sekiwake Mitakeumi and M3 Tochinoshin, who stand at 7-1. The big Georgian has arguably performed the better out of the two, with dominant sumo against the tougher slate of opponents. He's already done with the available ozeki and yokozuna, while Mitakeumi has yet to face them. First off though they're meeting each other tomorrow.

Returning sekiwake Tamawashi looked good for a few days but has gone into the wilderness since then, and the much-heralded komusubi duo Takakeisho and Onosho has looked off in the timing repeatedly. Still, Onosho does have a 4-4 record after the middle Sunday and with the sanyaku bouts almost entirely finished for him - only Kakuryu remains - there's a good chance of another kachikoshi in the titled ranks.

7-1 Mitakeumi S Tamawashi 3-5
2-6 Takakeisho K Onosho 4-4

2-6 Hokutofuji M1 Ichinojo 4-4
3-5 Yoshikaze M2 Kotoshogiku 3-5
2-6 Chiyotairyu M3 Tochinoshin 7-1
4-4 Shodai M4 Arawashi 4-4
3-5 Okinoumi M5 Endo 5-3
5-3 Takarafuji M6
5-3 Chiyoshoma M7
6-2 Tochiozan M8 Kaisei 5-3
6-2 Shohozan M9 Chiyomaru 5-3
...
M13 Daieisho 7-1

The two Isegahama-beya rikishi at M10, Terunofuji and Aminishiki, were both sidelined a few days ago, and while both have been said to be contemplating a return to action, they'll find it hard to avoid demotion as they didn't seem to be on form to begin with. Active but in even bigger danger are Takekaze, who has looked to be in deteriorating shape for the last year and is now struggling to win anything at all, and top division sophomore Daiamami whose tournament might be going slightly better than the one two months ago did, but with zero breathing room on the banzuke this time around. Nishikigi has also joined the worry list with his now-customary tightrope act.

Kyokutaisei has provided the main bright spot in high juryo so far, and his 6-2 record not only puts him in the yusho race but also on course for his makuuchi debut. Contender #2 is veteran Myogiryu at this point, albeit with rather shoddy sumo at times; it's been quite the decline for somebody who was still competitive in the joi only a year and a half ago. Chiyonoo leads the way in win-loss terms at 7-1, having been undefeated until today's rather odd-looking loss to Azumaryu. From J6 he'll need to keep adding more shiroboshi though to figure into the promotion race.

M6 Ikioi 1-7 (2)
M7 Chiyonokuni 2-6 (1)
M8
M9
(4) 0-3-5 Terunofuji M10 Aminishiki 1-5-2 (4)
(1) 4-4 Kotoyuki M11 Daishomaru 4-4 (1)
(2) 3-5 Sokokurai M12 Kagayaki 4-4 (2)
(5) 1-7 Takekaze M13
(1) 5-3 Abi M14 Yutakayama 4-4 (3)
(3) 4-4 Ishiura M15 Nishikigi 3-5 (4)
(2) 5-3 Ryuden M16 Asanoyama 6-2 (2)
(5) 3-5 Daiamami M17 ---

(3) 5-3 Myogiryu J1 Kyokutaisei 6-2 (2)
(4) 5-3 Azumaryu J2 Aoiyama 4-4 (5)
J3 Hidenoumi 4-4 (5)
(6) 4-4 Kyokushuho J4 Meisei 2-6 (~)
(6) 4-4 Tokushoryu J5 Gagamaru 3-5 (7)
J6 Chiyonoo 7-1 (4)
(7) 4-4 Sadanoumi J7 Homarefuji 3-5 (~)
(~) 4-4 Amakaze J8
(~) 4-4 Takanosho J9
J10 Kotoeko 6-2 (7)
J11 Takagenji 5-3 (~)
J12
(~) 6-2 Mitoryu J13 Daishoho 6-2 (~)

It looks like there's going to be no shortage of available spots in juryo for Haru basho. Ura is certain to drop due to his ongoing knee rehab stint, while Toyohibiki has started the basho on the injured list with arrhythmia and will be hard-pressed to stay even if he does join during week two, given the 0-8 equivalent record he's already carrying now. Osunaarashi has been largely uncompetitive, and will apparently miss the rest of the basho now anyway due to the revelation of his illegal driving issue, ensuring another demotion.

And another quartet is also struggling big-time. Yamaguchi's loss of form has continued from the last two tournaments, and a trio of fresh promotees is also finding juryo tough going, although that's probably not a great surprise: Kizenryu's inability to survive in juryo has been well-documented (and he seems to have tweaked his heavily bandaged knee today, to boot), while Tochihiryu had trouble getting back to juryo to begin with, and Akua is a 27-year-old debutant who might have overachieved just by getting this far.

The all-ex-sekitori group competing in the top 5 makushita ranks was depleted by one when Kitataiki decided to retire on the eve of the basho, and has seen Toyonoshima fall by the wayside during the first week with yet another unfortunate injury. The third guy with a sizable makuuchi resumé, Jokoryu, also finds himself just 1-3 at the lowest spot and is unlikely to figure into the promotion race from here. The first slot is already spoken for, in any case, as top-ranked Yago has raced out to an early 5-0 and might be picking up his fourth 7-win record in a row here. (Ahem.)

No outside promotion contenders remain as the next potential zensho record is down at Ms17, below the cutoff for automatic promotion.

J4 Meisei 2-6 (1)
J5
(2) 2-6 Tsurugisho J6
J7 Homarefuji 3-5 (1)
(1) 4-4 Amakaze J8 Osunaarashi 1-7 (4)
(1) 4-4 Takanosho J9 Toyohibiki kyujo (5)
(2) 4-4 Seiro J10
(x) kyujo Ura J11 Takagenji 5-3 (1)
(5) 2-6 Yamaguchi J12 Tochihiryu 2-6 (5)
(1) 6-2 Mitoryu J13 Daishoho 6-2 (1)
(5) 3-5 Akua J14 Kizenryu 2-6 (6)

(o) 5-0 Yago Ms1 Terutsuyoshi 3-1
1-3 Asabenkei Ms2 Shimanoumi 3-1
intai Kitataiki Ms3 Tobizaru 3-1
2-2 Kitaharima Ms4 Akiseyama 2-2
(x) 0-3-1 Toyonoshima Ms5 Jokoryu 1-3

Explanation of symbols used:

numbers = wins needed until favourable outcome (getting promoted / not getting demoted)
o = favourable outcome achieved
x = favourable outcome definitely missed
~ = favourable outcome missed "by the numbers", but still achievable through banzuke luck

Edited January 22, 2018 by Asashosakari

Gurowake · January 22, 2018

9 minutes ago, Asashosakari said:

top-ranked Yago has raced out to an early 5-0 and might be picking up his fourth 7-win record in a row here. (Ahem.)

(Laughing...)

Asashosakari · January 22, 2018

Juryo yusho race:

7-1 Chiyonoo
6-2 Kyokutaisei, Kotoeko, Mitoryu, Daishoho
5-3 Myogiryu, Azumaryu, Takagenji

Kotoeko is a bit of a surprise here as I'm not sure how he has 6 wins even having seen his bouts, but the other three 6-2 guys and Chiyonoo have all looked strong and are deserving of their records to this point. None has looked totally dominant though, and I suspect they'll all be picking up several more losses, perhaps en route to an 11-4 yusho score.

Only one head-to-head matchup tomorrow with Kotoeko-Daishoho among the 6-2's.

Lower division yusho races (Day 7/8 results and links to video where available, plus Tobizaru and Yago up in juryo):

5-0 Ms1e Yago (Oguruma)
4-0 Ms17e Wakatakakage (Arashio)
4-0 Ms22w Gochozan (Minezaki)
4-0 Ms34e Wakatakamoto (Arashio)
4-0 Ms40e Kaito (Asakayama)
4-0 Ms47e Tochiseiryu (Kasugano)
4-0 Ms56w Tochinohama (Kasugano)

4-0 Sd4e Aonosho (Dewanoumi)
4-0 Sd8w Kaisho (Asakayama)
4-0 Sd18w Wakayama (Onomatsu)
4-0 Sd25e Obamaumi (Sakaigawa)
4-0 Sd37e Kotootori (Sadogatake)
4-0 Sd45w Masunoyama (Chiganoura)
4-0 Sd52e Daijo (Takadagawa)
4-0 Sd58w Ryuseio (Shibatayama)
4-0 Sd71w Tochikodai (Kasugano)
4-0 Sd74e Daiseiho (Shibatayama)
4-0 Sd91e Kamito (Tatsunami)
4-0 Sd97w Wakahizen (Minezaki)

4-0 Jd2w Fujinokaze (Oguruma)
4-0 Jd14w Kotoseigo (Sadogatake)
4-0 Jd23e Wakaichiro (Musashigawa)
4-0 Jd28e Kaiho (Tomozuna)
4-0 Jd42e Hayashi (Fujishima)
4-0 Jd48w Fujihisashi (Azumazeki)
4-0 Jd56w Tokimaru (Miyagino)
4-0 Jd63w Hamadayama (Shibatayama)
4-0 Jd72e Shingaku (Otake)
4-0 Jd83e Motokiyama (Tamanoi)
4-0 Jd91w Hakuyo (Isenoumi)
4-0 Jd96e Oshozan (Naruto)
4-0 Jd104e Akashiryu (Tagonoura)

4-0 Jk12e Kakutaiki (Izutsu)
4-0 Jk19e Kototebakari (Sadogatake)

The makushita race has been a bit of a mess the last couple of days with Tobizaru being taken out in juryo and Yago getting a headstart on the remaining contenders. We'd at least be guaranteed 4 5-0's at this point for a neat yusho race under normal circumstances, but there's the Kasugano duo holding down the last two 4-0 spots which means they're going to face sandanme opponents on Day 9 for extra uncertainty. (Not to mention the two Onami brothers from Arashio...)

My lower division viewing has been extremely sparse this past week so I can't venture any yusho winner guesses outside the obvious picks Yago on top and Kototebakari at the bottom. Sandanme looks especially open, while jonidan at least has a nominal favourite with upper sandanme-caliber Kotoseigo who'll be going for the back-to-back zensho records.

Edited January 22, 2018 by Asashosakari

Asashosakari · January 22, 2018

And the former sekitori...37 ranked but three of them recently retired. Notes in the opening post in the basho banzuke thread.

Record	Rank	Shikona	Heya	Age	Out
5-0	Ms1e	Yago	Oguruma	23	1
3-1	Ms1w	Terutsuyoshi	Isegahama	23	1
1-3	Ms2e	Asabenkei	Takasago	28	8
3-1	Ms2w	Shimanoumi	Kise	28	9
0-1 intai	Ms3e	Kitataiki	Yamahibiki	35	3
3-1	Ms3w	Tobizaru	Oitekaze	25	3
2-2	Ms4e	Kitaharima	Yamahibiki	31	2
2-2	Ms4w	Akiseyama	Kise	32	10
0-3-1	Ms5e	Toyonoshima	Tokitsukaze	34	8
1-3	Ms5w	Jokoryu	Kise	29	10

3-1	Ms7w	Daiseido	Kise	25	1
kyujo	Ms9w	Chiyootori	Kokonoe	25	1
3-1	Ms13w	Dewahayate	Dewanoumi	28	9
3-1	Ms14e	Tenkaiho	Onoe	33	10
2-2	Ms14w	Kagamio	Kagamiyama	29	10
1-3	Ms15w	Asahisho	Tomozuna	28	4

0-4	Ms16e	Chiyoarashi	Kokonoe	26	27
2-2	Ms18w	Amuru	Onomatsu	34	6
3-1	Ms20w	Satoyama	Onoe	36	3
2-2	Ms23e	Sagatsukasa	Irumagawa	36	23
1-3	Ms25w	Takaryu	Kise	25	15
2-2	Ms26w	Fujiazuma	Tamanoi	30	5
3-1	Ms28w	Tokushinho	Kise	33	13
2-2	Ms29e	Oiwato	Hakkaku	36	25

2-2	Ms32e	Higonojo	Kise	33	22
3-1	Ms35e	Nionoumi	Yamahibiki	31	27
0-4	Ms38e	Kotomisen	Sadogatake	34	25
3-1	Ms44e	Keitenkai	Onomatsu	27	32
3-1	Ms47w	Sakigake	Shibatayama	31	18

1-3	Sd16w	Kaonishiki	Azumazeki	39	38
1-3	Sd19e	Hitenryu	Tatsunami	33	38
intai	Sd31w	Sotairyu	Tokitsukaze	35	17
4-0	Sd45w	Masunoyama	Chiganoura	27	17
2-2	Sd53e	Dairaido	Takadagawa	37	68
2-2	Sd72w	Yoshiazuma	Tamanoi	40	20
intai	Sd81w	Shotenro	Fujishima	35	11

kyujo	Jd20w	Masakaze	Oguruma	34	31

Rocks · January 22, 2018

Oh no! The Joker might drop out of promotion range. Come on Joker!

Yukiarashi · January 22, 2018

Thank you for these every basho! Two days earlier too now! These threads are spectacular!

Takekaze is for sure going to go down or retire. Outside of that Aminishiki probably will too. I can't see him winning many if he returns, of course not many thought he would kachikoshi in Kyushu. Terunofuji should be able to win a few if he comes back, but he's better off taking time off for whatever injuries he has in addition to diabetes. No one really deserves to be demoted though out of the rest, (not that the injured ones do), Daiamami is probably in the poorest situation but he's not fighting bad. As the tachiai blog said this basho has seen really great fighting from lower Makuuchi. For Juryo, I hope Kyokutaisei and Azumaryu can keep going as I've wanted to see both get promoted for awhile. For Juryo-Makushita, I'm sure most the demotion candidates will end up magically getting at or near a kachikoshi like usual. Yago is coming back (shocked), it would be good to see Shimanoumi again and the flying monkey Tobizaru. Perhaps the amount of demotion candidates and a Takekaze possible retirement could bring in some non-zensho Ms6-Ms7? 5-2 Ms6 or 6-1 Daiseido at Ms7?

I love seeing names like Oshozan in a running for a yusho.

Asashosakari · January 23, 2018

Day 9 (results, text-only results):

2-3-4 Hakuho Y1 Kisenosato 1-5-3
9-0 Kakuryu Y2
6-3 Goeido O Takayasu 6-3

An easy day for the three remaining top-rankers. Kakuryu, Goeido and Takayasu all had no trouble in defeating their opponents Arawashi, Tamawashi and Showashi Shodai today, so the yusho leader remains unbeaten and the ozeki pair have moved a step closer to their expected kachikoshi. The most anticipated bout of the day was the 7-1 derby between Mitakeumi and Tochinoshin, and the latter provided a highlight reel-worthy tsuridashi victory to clinch his kachikoshi and become the sole pursuer for the moment.

The only lower sanyaku rikishi to win today was Takakeisho who beat Hokutofuji in an entertaining (if a bit clumsy looking) pushing duel, while komusubi Onosho was flung down quickly by the resurgent Ichinojo. The big guy is currently well on course as the second-best contender for a sanyaku promotion behind Tochinoshin, should that many slots become available. Further Day 9 joi action saw Kotoshogiku and Yoshikaze matched up, with the former ozeki rolling back the years for a win in his trademark style.

7-2 Mitakeumi S Tamawashi 3-6
3-6 Takakeisho K Onosho 4-5

2-7 Hokutofuji M1 Ichinojo 5-4
3-6 Yoshikaze M2 Kotoshogiku 4-5
3-6 Chiyotairyu M3 Tochinoshin 8-1
4-5 Shodai M4 Arawashi 4-5
3-6 Okinoumi M5 Endo 5-4
6-3 Takarafuji M6
5-4 Chiyoshoma M7
6-3 Tochiozan M8 Kaisei 6-3
6-3 Shohozan M9 Chiyomaru 5-4
...
M13 Daieisho 7-2

Shodai and Tamawashi are back at the top of the schedule tomorrow, switching their ozeki opponents of today, and Kakuryu goes against Okinoumi.

Takekaze can't seem to catch a break right now and lost a close-run decision against Nishikigi to become the first (active) sekitori to go makekoshi this basho. Needing a 4-2 finish as the absolute minimum to stay in makuuchi it's all looking rather bleak for him. The other top demotion candidate Daiamami fared better and prevailed against his similarly burly counterpart Chiyomaru.

This basho's 5 promotees from juryo are all doing quite well so far. Yutakayama improved to 5-4 against Chiyonokuni, the first time in his three makuuchi tournaments that he's got a positive record, Abi quickly disposed of suddenly underperforming Asanoyama, and Ishiura even took 7-1 Daieisho out of the yusho race. The other two, Ryuden and Sokokurai, entered the day at 4-4 each and were matched up today, and it was veteran Mongolian Sokokurai who came through in their seesaw battle.

Juryo had a very juryo day, with the best four promotion contenders Myogiryu, Kyokutaisei, Azumaryu and Chiyonoo all losing their matches. That has allowed Aoiyama (beating leader Chiyonoo) and Hidenoumi to close in on the race, although they remain 4 wins away from numerical worthiness.

M6 Ikioi 2-7 (1)
M7 Chiyonokuni 2-7 (1)
M8
M9
(4) 0-3-6 Terunofuji M10 Aminishiki 1-5-3 (4)
(o) 5-4 Kotoyuki M11 Daishomaru 4-5 (1)
(1) 4-5 Sokokurai M12 Kagayaki 5-4 (1)
(5) 1-8 Takekaze M13
(o) 6-3 Abi M14 Yutakayama 5-4 (2)
(2) 5-4 Ishiura M15 Nishikigi 4-5 (3)
(2) 5-4 Ryuden M16 Asanoyama 6-3 (2)
(4) 4-5 Daiamami M17 ---

(3) 5-4 Myogiryu J1 Kyokutaisei 6-3 (2)
(4) 5-4 Azumaryu J2 Aoiyama 5-4 (4)
J3 Hidenoumi 5-4 (4)
(6) 4-5 Kyokushuho J4 Meisei 3-6 (~)
(5) 5-4 Tokushoryu J5 Gagamaru 4-5 (6)
J6 Chiyonoo 7-2 (4)
(6) 5-4 Sadanoumi J7 Homarefuji 3-6 (x)
(~) 5-4 Amakaze J8
(~) 5-4 Takanosho J9
J10 Kotoeko 7-2 (6)
J11 Takagenji 5-4 (x)
J12
(x) 6-3 Mitoryu J13 Daishoho 6-3 (x)

Aminishiki is returning to action on Day 10 and will face Chiyoshoma.

The highly endangered J12s met today, and Tochihiryu didn't have a lot of trouble in giving Yamaguchi his 6th straight loss. Bottom-ranked Akua was downed by veteran Seiro in another demotion battle and his juryo stint looks headed to a quick end as well. The other J14 Kizenryu was successful against makushita visitor Terutsuyoshi after going through torinaoshi, but doesn't look any better. Osunaarashi withdrew as expected and unless his off-dohyo issue finds a quick resolution he'll be headed down to the unpaid ranks.

Beyond these big-time demotion candidates it looks like the table will clear up very soon as a whole bunch of rikishi are just one win away from safety, and three others already got to shore today.

4 other promotion contenders joined Terutsuyoshi in action today, with Shimanoumi and Tobizaru matched up head-to-head; Shimanoumi prevailed and clinched kachikoshi. He's not quite officially going up yet, but given the situation in juryo it'll be difficult for him to fall too far in the promotion queue. Not going up will be Asabenkei who was sent to MK by former collegiate hope Chiyonoumi. Jokoryu kept his slight chances alive by doing the same to current collegiate hope Murata.

J4 Meisei 3-6 (o)
J5
(1) 3-6 Tsurugisho J6
J7 Homarefuji 3-6 (1)
(o) 5-4 Amakaze J8 Osunaarashi 1-8 (4)
(o) 5-4 Takanosho J9 Toyohibiki kyujo (5)
(1) 5-4 Seiro J10
(x) kyujo Ura J11 Takagenji 5-4 (1)
(5) 2-7 Yamaguchi J12 Tochihiryu 3-6 (4)
(1) 6-3 Mitoryu J13 Daishoho 6-3 (1)
(5) 3-6 Akua J14 Kizenryu 3-6 (5)

(o) 5-0 Yago Ms1 Terutsuyoshi 3-2
(x) 1-4 Asabenkei Ms2 Shimanoumi 4-1
Ms3 Tobizaru 3-2
2-2 Kitaharima Ms4 Akiseyama 2-2
Ms5 Jokoryu 2-3

With Aminishiki in and Osunaarashi out they continue to need a daily fill-in from makushita, and for Day 10 the call has gone to Shimanoumi for the second time. He beat Mitoryu back on Day 6 and will now go against the other J13 Daishoho. With a 5th win here he would all but guarantee his promotion even before his final bout of the basho.

Edited January 23, 2018 by Asashosakari

Gurowake · January 23, 2018

5 minutes ago, Asashosakari said:

The other two, Ryuden and Sokokurai, entered the day at 4-4 each and it was the veteran Mongolian who came through in their seesaw battle.

(1) 4-5 Sokokurai
(2) 5-4 Ryuden

What? Ryuden is Mongolian? And a veteran? Or am I misinterpreting something about how this is phrased?

Bumpkin · January 23, 2018

10 minutes ago, Gurowake said:

What? Ryuden is Mongolian? And a veteran? Or am I misinterpreting something about how this is phrased?

Sokokurai is a Chinese Mongolian.

Asashosakari · January 23, 2018

Juryo yusho race:

7-2 Chiyonoo, Kotoeko
6-3 Kyokutaisei, Mitoryu, Daishoho
5-4 Myogiryu, Azumaryu, Aoiyama, Hidenoumi, Tokushoryu, Sadanoumi, Amakaze, Takanosho, Seiro, Takagenji

The very juryo day found its expression in the yusho race as well, which saw losses by the leader, the two pursuers who weren't matched up, and all three guys who trailed by two wins. That turned the pursuer duel between Kotoeko and Daishoho into a high-stakes bout, which Kotoeko decided in his favour to join the lead.

With more than half the division and every KK-trending rikishi officially in the race, this could be anyone's championship now. Tomorrow may bring some clarity, however, as matchups of Chiyonoo-Kyokutaisei and Kotoeko-Mitoryu have been scheduled among the top 5. Daishoho goes against visiting Shimanoumi as mentioned above, also far from an easy bout.

Lower division yusho races (Day 9 results and links to video where available):

5-0 Ms1e Yago (Oguruma)
5-0 Ms17e Wakatakakage (Arashio)
4-1 Ms22w Gochozan (Minezaki)
5-0 Ms34e Wakatakamoto (Arashio)
4-1 Ms40e Kaito (Asakayama)
5-0 Ms47e Tochiseiryu (Kasugano)
4-1 Ms56w Tochinohama (Kasugano)

4-1 Sd4e Aonosho (Dewanoumi)
5-0 Sd8w Kaisho (Asakayama)
5-0 Sd18w Wakayama (Onomatsu)
4-1 Sd25e Obamaumi (Sakaigawa)
4-1 Sd37e Kotootori (Sadogatake)
5-0 Sd45w Masunoyama (Chiganoura)
4-1 Sd52e Daijo (Takadagawa)
5-0 Sd58w Ryuseio (Shibatayama)
5-0 Sd71w Tochikodai (Kasugano)
4-1 Sd74e Daiseiho (Shibatayama)
5-0 Sd91e Kamito (Tatsunami)
4-1 Sd97w Wakahizen (Minezaki)

4-1 Jd2w Fujinokaze (Oguruma)
5-0 Jd14w Kotoseigo (Sadogatake)
4-1 Jd23e Wakaichiro (Musashigawa)
5-0 Jd28e Kaiho (Tomozuna)
4-1 Jd42e Hayashi (Fujishima)
5-0 Jd48w Fujihisashi (Azumazeki)
5-0 Jd56w Tokimaru (Miyagino)
4-1 Jd63w Hamadayama (Shibatayama)
5-0 Jd72e Shingaku (Otake)
4-1 Jd83e Motokiyama (Tamanoi)
5-0 Jd91w Hakuyo (Isenoumi)
4-1 Jd96e Oshozan (Naruto)
5-0 Jd104e Akashiryu (Tagonoura)

4-1 Jk12e Kakutaiki (Izutsu)
5-0 Jk19e Kototebakari (Sadogatake)

All contenders were active today (other than Yago, of course). The Kasugano makushita duo went 1-1 against their sandanme opposition, which has whittled down the field in the third division to the customary 4 candidates. However, their list does continue to include brothers Wakatakakage and Wakatakamoto, so a non-standard finish to the basho is still in the cards, should they both win on Day 11 against Yago and Tochiseiryu.

The biggest name in the sandanme race, ex-maegashira Masunoyama, managed to stay in, while makushita veteran Daiseiho was beaten by rookie Tochikodai. I still think this race is pretty open as Masunoyama has demonstrated over the last few tournaments that he's beatable at this level if opponents don't play into his pushing game (which the last four opponents all did, to their detriment).

After a closer look it turns out that Kotoseigo isn't the only jonidan contender with high-sandanme experience, and he and fellow injury returnees Kaiho and Shingaku were all victorious today. The biggest wildcard was removed today when fresh entrant Hayashi wasn't able to stay in the race, and the four remaining candidates outside the aforementioned trio look like quite unlikely yusho winners.

Jonokuchi is already down to only highly-rated newcomer Kototebakari after the other zensho run in the division was ended by a jonidan opponent, and as usual it would be a huge surprise if the frontrunner failed to secure the title from here.

Asashosakari · January 23, 2018

19 minutes ago, Gurowake said:

What? Ryuden is Mongolian? And a veteran? Or am I misinterpreting something about how this is phrased?

Ack, I backtracked their records wrong, they were 3-5 and 5-3 of course, not 4-4. Thanks for pointing that out!

shimodahito · January 23, 2018

Our beloved Kofuji is beaming now that one of his adopted rikishi, Ryuden, made the top division. May he get his 8 wins soon!

Edited January 23, 2018 by shimodahito

Rocks · January 23, 2018

7 hours ago, Asashosakari said:

while komusubi Onosho was flung down quickly by the resurgent Ichinojo. The big guy is currently well on course as the second-best contender for a sanyaku promotion behind Tochinoshin, should that many slots become available.

Well, with Onosho out and Takakeisho losing it looks like both of them are going down for sure. Tamawashi being 3-7 and facing kakuryu on Day 11 means he could be looking at a 6-9 and likely going all the way down too which would open up 3 slots in sanyaku.

Who's going up? Tochinoshin is a lock for Sekiwake at this point. Ichionjo is looking good for a Komusubi slot. But second K slot? The rest of M1-M5 are not looking good with only Shodai and Aarawashi, both of whom have looked awful at times, at 5-5. But, Endo is 6-4. Are we looking at, dare I say it, Komusubi Endo for Haru? Takarafuji is still in it though. Daiesho too with a great finish.

Jakusotsu · January 23, 2018

1 hour ago, Rocks said:

But second K slot? The rest of M1-M5 are not looking good with only Shodai and Aarawashi, both of whom have looked awful at times, at 5-5. But, Endo is 6-4. Are we looking at, dare I say it, Komusubi Endo for Haru? Takarafuji is still in it though. Daiesho too with a great finish.

Whoever it'll turn out to be, it's Maegashira again in May, even without a steak.

Atenzan · January 23, 2018

9 hours ago, Gurowake said:

What? Ryuden is Mongolian? And a veteran? Or am I misinterpreting something about how this is phrased?

Soukokurai is Inner Mongolian- Inner Mongolia is a region of China with a political weirdness similar to Tibet. The ethnic Mongolians there, one of whom is Soukokurai, are easily distinguished because they only have one forename. No surname, no patronymic, no nothing. "Enkhtuvshin" is Soukokurai's full real name.

Atenzan · January 23, 2018

9 hours ago, Bumpkin said:

Sokokurai is a Chinese Mongolian.

If you call him that he will likely be less than pleased- see my post above.

Bumpkin · January 23, 2018

2 hours ago, McBugger said:

If you call him that he will likely be less than pleased- see my post above.

Fine. Sokokurai is a ethnic Mongolian from the Peoples Republic of China. Happy?

Atenzan · January 23, 2018

24 minutes ago, Bumpkin said:

from the Peoples Republic of China

That is a long, old debate, much like Tibet. But for the sake of not straying too far from the topic, not getting political and not further sullying Asashosakari's excellent thread, I'll say no more.

lackmaker · January 23, 2018

All very interesting but he was asking about Ryuden.

12 hours ago, Gurowake said:

What? Ryuden is Mongolian? And a veteran? Or am I misinterpreting something about how this is phrased?

Asashosakari · January 23, 2018

8 hours ago, McBugger said:

Soukokurai is Inner Mongolian- Inner Mongolia is a region of China with a political weirdness similar to Tibet. The ethnic Mongolians there, one of whom is Soukokurai, are easily distinguished because they only have one forename. No surname, no patronymic, no nothing. "Enkhtuvshin" is Soukokurai's full real name.

Right, I actually meant to refer to him as "Inner Mongolian veteran" in that sentence rather than just Mongolian, but that also got lost somehow in the general muddling-up I managed to do there. Sorry about that, folks!

yorikiried by fate · January 23, 2018

Nowadays, whenever Fate tries to yorikiri me, I channel my inner Mongolian and tsukiotoshi the living s**t out of the b*tch.

Just sayin.

Dapeng · January 23, 2018

8 hours ago, McBugger said:

That is a long, old debate, much like Tibet. But for the sake of not straying too far from the topic, not getting political and not further sullying Asashosakari's excellent thread, I'll say no more.

The current independent country Mongolia was a part of China in Chinese Qing dynasty (1636-1912), and only became independent in 1911, and the Mongolian People's Republic was established in 1924 under the support of former Soviet Union (Russia). After the border between Mongolia and China was settled, Mongolians living in Chinese side are Chinese inner-Mongolians. Thus Soukokurai is a Chinese Mongolian. He does have fans in China. By the way, there are more than fifty ethnic groups in China.

Actually Tibet is much like the Japanese Okinawa. Tibet had been a vassal country to China in Chinese Qing dynasty and was annexed into P.R. China in 1950s.

Edited January 24, 2018 by Dapeng

Asashosakari · January 24, 2018

Day 10 (results, text-only results):

2-3-5 Hakuho Y1 Kisenosato 1-5-4
10-0 Kakuryu Y2
6-4 Goeido O Takayasu 7-3

Another easy day at the office for leader Kakuryu, who had no trouble dispatching of Okinoumi who has been pulled into joi duty from M5 due to the shrunken sanyaku this basho (reduced both nominally and by injury). Takayasu prevailed in a spirited bout against sekiwake Tamawashi, while Goeido was overwhelmed at the tachiai and lost quickly to Shodai. At 7-3 Takayasu has moved ahead of Goeido for the first time this basho.

It wasn't a good day for the rest of the lower sanyaku quartet either, with Mitakeumi becoming a casualty again versus Arawashi for his third straight loss, Takakeisho finding himself unable to discover a winning attack against Ichinojo, and Onosho even forced to withdraw from the basho altogether with a knee injury.

Hokutofuji, who was widely seen as deserving of a sanyaku berth after Kyushu basho, has fared even worse and is now makekoshi already after a decisive loss to Chiyotairyu, another notorious A/B mode rikishi. Tochinoshin defeated a long-time nemesis of his in Kotoshogiku and remains in touch with the yusho-leading yokozuna.

7-3 Mitakeumi S Tamawashi 3-7
3-7 Takakeisho K Onosho 4-6

(x) 2-8 Hokutofuji M1 Ichinojo 6-4
4-6 Yoshikaze M2 Kotoshogiku 4-6
4-6 Chiyotairyu M3 Tochinoshin 9-1
5-5 Shodai M4 Arawashi 5-5
(x) 3-7 Okinoumi M5 Endo 6-4
7-3 Takarafuji M6
6-4 Chiyoshoma M7
6-4 Tochiozan M8 Kaisei 6-4
6-4 Shohozan M9 Chiyomaru 6-4
...
M13 Daieisho 8-2

Kakuryu was set to face his five remaining sanyaku opponents from now on, but Onosho's departure has thrown a wrench into those proceedings. Rather than delay things and leave Day 11 without any intra-sanyaku matchups, they have opted to start him off against Tamawashi tomorrow, with another fill-in maegashira to appear either Day 12 or 13.

The list of demotion candidate maegashira is starting to thin out. Chiyonokuni rewarded himself for his always-spirited sumo against Kotoyuki, while Daishomaru and Kagayaki collected their last needed wins at the expense of fellow contenders Asanoyama (fourth straight loss) and Daiamami. Further intra-demotee action saw Nishikigi defeat Sokokurai and Takekaze finally win one again against Ishiura. Ryuden and Yutakayama were also victorious and both look very good for survival in the top division now.

Meanwhile, the two top-ranked juryo rikishi Myogiryu and Kyokutaisei have now clearly distinguished themselves as the frontrunners for promotion. Newly in third place in the virtual race is Hidenoumi after his third winning day in a row. Former leader Chiyonoo continues to fall back, however. Azumaryu (in a makuuchi visit against Ryuden) and Aoiyama dropped to 5-5 and have some work to do now to take advantage of their high ranking at J2.

M6 Ikioi 2-8 (1)
M7 Chiyonokuni 3-7 (o)
M8
M9
(4) 0-3-7 Terunofuji M10 Aminishiki 1-6-3 (4)
M11 Daishomaru 5-5 (o)
(1) 4-6 Sokokurai M12 Kagayaki 6-4 (o)
(4) 2-8 Takekaze M13
M14 Yutakayama 6-4 (1)
(2) 5-5 Ishiura M15 Nishikigi 5-5 (2)
(1) 6-4 Ryuden M16 Asanoyama 6-4 (2)
(4) 4-6 Daiamami M17 ---

(2) 6-4 Myogiryu J1 Kyokutaisei 7-3 (1)
(4) 5-5 Azumaryu J2 Aoiyama 5-5 (4)
J3 Hidenoumi 6-4 (3)
(5) 5-5 Kyokushuho J4 Meisei 3-7 (x)
(4) 6-4 Tokushoryu J5 Gagamaru 5-5 (5)
J6 Chiyonoo 7-3 (4)
(5) 6-4 Sadanoumi J7
(x) 5-5 Amakaze J8
(x) 5-5 Takanosho J9
J10 Kotoeko 8-2 (5)

The Isegahama returnee parade continues with Terunofuji on Day 11, although I don't harbour much hopes that he'll be looking better than Aminishiki did today. Again a simultaneous withdrawal (this time Onosho) means that both sekitori divisions will continue to see visitors from below; Aoiyama is getting the Day 11 call against Nishikigi.

Lower juryo opened the day with 6 rikishi looking for one more win to achieve safety, but only two of them managed to do so - Daishoho defeated visiting Shimanoumi in strong fashion, and Seiro sent bottom-ranked Kizenryu to the brink of demotion. The most surprising loss among the remaining four was perhaps that of Mitoryu who found himself outwitted by yusho leader Kotoeko.

The sole Day 10 makushita-joi action outside of Shimanoumi's early 6th bout had the two Ms4 Kitaharima and Akiseyama matched up, where the big guy prevailed over the lanky guy. Akiseyama now stands in a good position to secure a return to juryo after nearly two years over his last two bouts.

Toyohibiki has not joined the basho after all, and his not being on the Day 11 schedule means that his demotion to makushita is now assured, ending a run of 11 straight years as sekitori.

(1) 3-7 Tsurugisho J6
J7 Homarefuji 3-7 (1)
J8 Osunaarashi 1-8-1 (4)
J9 Toyohibiki kyujo (x)
(o) 6-4 Seiro J10
(x) kyujo Ura J11 Takagenji 5-5 (1)
(5) 2-8 Yamaguchi J12 Tochihiryu 4-6 (3)
(1) 6-4 Mitoryu J13 Daishoho 7-3 (o)
(4) 4-6 Akua J14 Kizenryu 3-7 (5)

(o) 5-0 Yago Ms1 Terutsuyoshi 3-2
Ms2 Shimanoumi 4-2
Ms3 Tobizaru 3-2
2-3 Kitaharima Ms4 Akiseyama 3-2
Ms5 Jokoryu 2-3

A full day of action for the Ms top 5ers tomorrow, although none are paired up directly. Tobizaru makes his second appearance in juryo, facing Akua.

Edited January 24, 2018 by Asashosakari

Asashosakari · January 24, 2018

Juryo yusho race:

8-2 Kotoeko
7-3 Kyokutaisei, Chiyonoo, Daishoho
6-4 Myogiryu, Hidenoumi, Tokushoryu, Sadanoumi, Seiro, Mitoryu

The two match-ups between leaders and pursuers ended up 1-1, so after one day with a duo in the top slot we're back to a sole leader - but it's Kotoeko now who vanquished debutant Mitoryu, while our Day 5 to 8 leader Chiyonoo lost to promotion-seeking Kyokutaisei to make it three defeats in three days. Third chaser Daishoho was successful against Shimanoumi from makushita and remains part of the still three-strong pursuit group.

The group of 10 rikishi who entered the day at 5-4 was cut in half as well, so five of them now join Mitoryu in the extended race. Kotoeko, Kyokutaisei and Chiyonoo are all facing opponents from that 6-4 section tomorrow (Hidenoumi/Sadanoumi/Myogiryu), while Daishoho is the odd man out again and meets 5-5 Amakaze.

Lower division yusho races (no action on Day 10, just repeating the cleaned up table of contenders):

5-0 Ms1e Yago (Oguruma)
5-0 Ms17e Wakatakakage (Arashio)
5-0 Ms34e Wakatakamoto (Arashio)
5-0 Ms47e Tochiseiryu (Kasugano)

5-0 Sd8w Kaisho (Asakayama)
5-0 Sd18w Wakayama (Onomatsu)
5-0 Sd45w Masunoyama (Chiganoura)
5-0 Sd58w Ryuseio (Shibatayama)
5-0 Sd71w Tochikodai (Kasugano)
5-0 Sd91e Kamito (Tatsunami)

5-0 Jd14w Kotoseigo (Sadogatake)
5-0 Jd28e Kaiho (Tomozuna)
5-0 Jd48w Fujihisashi (Azumazeki)
5-0 Jd56w Tokimaru (Miyagino)
5-0 Jd72e Shingaku (Otake)
5-0 Jd91w Hakuyo (Isenoumi)
5-0 Jd104e Akashiryu (Tagonoura)

5-0 Jk19e Kototebakari (Sadogatake)

No surprises here. Everybody's in action on Day 11 and paired up according to rank, including jonidan Akashiryu and jonokuchi frontrunner Kototebakari, so we'll have two unbeaten rikishi in makushita, three in sandanme, and likely three as well in jonidan.

Edited January 24, 2018 by Asashosakari

Asashosakari · January 24, 2018

The former sekitori through Day 10.

new KK: Shimanoumi, Dewahayate, Tokushinho, Nionoumi, Keitenkai, Sakigake

new MK: Asabenkei, Hitenryu

Record	Rank	Shikona	Heya	Age	Out
5-0	Ms1e	Yago	Oguruma	23	1
3-2	Ms1w	Terutsuyoshi	Isegahama	23	1
1-4	Ms2e	Asabenkei	Takasago	28	8
4-2	Ms2w	Shimanoumi	Kise	28	9
0-1 intai	Ms3e	Kitataiki	Yamahibiki	35	3
3-2	Ms3w	Tobizaru	Oitekaze	25	3
2-3	Ms4e	Kitaharima	Yamahibiki	31	2
3-2	Ms4w	Akiseyama	Kise	32	10
0-3-2	Ms5e	Toyonoshima	Tokitsukaze	34	8
2-3	Ms5w	Jokoryu	Kise	29	10

3-2	Ms7w	Daiseido	Kise	25	1
kyujo	Ms9w	Chiyootori	Kokonoe	25	1
4-1	Ms13w	Dewahayate	Dewanoumi	28	9
3-2	Ms14e	Tenkaiho	Onoe	33	10
3-2	Ms14w	Kagamio	Kagamiyama	29	10
2-3	Ms15w	Asahisho	Tomozuna	28	4

0-5	Ms16e	Chiyoarashi	Kokonoe	26	27
2-3	Ms18w	Amuru	Onomatsu	34	6
3-2	Ms20w	Satoyama	Onoe	36	3
2-3	Ms23e	Sagatsukasa	Irumagawa	36	23
2-3	Ms25w	Takaryu	Kise	25	15
2-3	Ms26w	Fujiazuma	Tamanoi	30	5
4-1	Ms28w	Tokushinho	Kise	33	13
3-2	Ms29e	Oiwato	Hakkaku	36	25

2-3	Ms32e	Higonojo	Kise	33	22
4-1	Ms35e	Nionoumi	Yamahibiki	31	27
0-5	Ms38e	Kotomisen	Sadogatake	34	25
4-1	Ms44e	Keitenkai	Onomatsu	27	32
4-1	Ms47w	Sakigake	Shibatayama	31	18

2-3	Sd16w	Kaonishiki	Azumazeki	39	38
1-4	Sd19e	Hitenryu	Tatsunami	33	38
intai	Sd31w	Sotairyu	Tokitsukaze	35	17
5-0	Sd45w	Masunoyama	Chiganoura	27	17
3-2	Sd53e	Dairaido	Takadagawa	37	68
3-2	Sd72w	Yoshiazuma	Tamanoi	40	20
intai	Sd81w	Shotenro	Fujishima	35	11

kyujo	Jd20w	Masakaze	Oguruma	34	31

Promotion/Demotion and Yusho discussion Hatsu 2018

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