March 2022 Basho (Haru)--DAY 13--March 25, 2022
Links to selected Basho (Tournament) Blog Posts--March 2020--Present
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March 2022 (Haru) Basho
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Makuuchi [Top Division] Basho Standings (still in mathematical contention for outright Yusho [Championship])
Key: Rikishi; Rank; Number of wins (n* = fusen--forfeit) (Strike through=eliminated from contention)
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Takayasu(M7e) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 12
Wakatakakage(S1e) 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 11
Mitakeumi(O2e) 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 8 9 9 10
Kotonowaka(M6w) 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 9 10
Ichinojo(M2e) 0 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 8 9
Kiribayama(M4e) 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 9
Takakeisho(O1w) 1 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 8 8
Tochinoshin(M15w) 1 1 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 8 8
Wakamotoharu(M9w) 0 1 2 2 3 4 5 5 6 6 7 8 8
Kotoeko (M12e) 0 1 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 7 8
Nishikigi (M16e) 1 2 3 3 3 4 5 5 6 7 7 7 8
Endo (M4w) 0 1 2 3*3 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 7
Tomorrow's match ups
Takayasu (M7e) (12-1) v Shodai (O1e) (7-6)
Wakatakakage (S1e) (11-2) v Takakeisho (O1w) (8-5)
Mitakeumi (O2w) (10-3) v Kotonowaka (M6w) (10-3)
(Wakatakage beat Takayasu on Day 11. The only way they could fight again would be in a playoff. Both of them are facing the highest ranked Rikishi available).
Takayasu has already beaten MItakeumi and Kotonowaka and could only face them again in a playoff.
Wakatakakage has already beaten Kotonwaka and lost to Mitakeumi and could only face them again in a playoff).
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Juryo (Division 2) Basho Standings (still in mathematical contention for outright Yusho [Championship])
Key: Rikishi; Rank; Number of wins
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Ryuden (J13e) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 8 9 10 11
Azumaryu (J2e) 0 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 10
Midorifuji (J6e) 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 9 9 10
Oho (J1e) 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 9
Mitoryu (J7e) 1 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 9
Kitanowaka (J10e) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 9 9 9
Enho (J11w) 1 2 3 3 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 9
Tomorrow's match ups
Ryuden (J13e) (11-2) v Tsurugisho (J1w) (6-7)
Azumaryu (J2e) (10-3) v Daishoho (J9e) (8-5)
Midorifuji (J6e) (10-3) v Shimazuumi (J13w) (7-6)
Kitanowaka (J10e) (9-4) v Tohakuryu (J3w) (6-7)
Enho (J11w) (9-4) v Tokushoryu (J7w) (6-7)
(Ryuden is fighting Tsurugisho because Tsurugisho is the highest ranked Rikishi (wrestler) available. This obviously has to do with the importance of Rank. A low ranked Rikishi with a great record will always be matched up with the highest rank available in this situation. Of course in Ryuden's case, it's a little skewed, because he is, in theory, a much better Rikishi than any of the present Juryo, as he is a long term Top Division man returning after an embarrassing suspension. Ryuden has already beaten Midorifuji and Oho and lost to Enho. He could only meet against them in a playoff. He could face Azumaryu or Kitanowaka on Day 15.
Azumaryu is facing the best record available given his rank. He has already beaten Midorifuji and Enho and lost to Mitoryu. He could meet Ryuden, Oho, or Kitanowaka on Day 15.
Midorifuji is facing the best record available given his rank. He has beaten Mitoryu, Oho, and Kitanowaka; lost to Azumaryu and Ryuden. He could only face any of them in a playoff.
Kitanowaka is facing the highest ranked Rikishi available. He has beaten Enho; lost to Ryuden, Mitoryu, Oho, and Midorifuji. He could only face any of them in a playoff.
Enho is facing the best record available given his rank. He has beaten Ryuden; lost to Kitanowaka and Azumaryu. He could face Oho or Mitoryu on Day 15.)
How is that for complexity? How would you like to be the match maker?
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Recap and statistics
A. Video and Photo
Note: NHK videos will be available on demand until 2 weeks after the end of the Basho (Tournament). After that, they will be removed from the site. They are usually available for on demand viewing about 1 day after the matches. Note that "highlights" means complete full match video of all daily Makuuchi matches.
NHK match highlights (condensed, all matches in their entirety, the highlights are 27 minutes long).
All NHK Video Highlights from one link (latest day should be uploaded by about 12:30 am Central Daylight Time the next day, i.e. Day 13 video should by available by 12:30 the next day. It might be available before that, so check).
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Japan Sumo Association Youtube offers selected full matches on its Youtube and Website channel. They are usually Makuuchi (Top Division) bouts, but sometimes there are Juryo (2nd Division) bouts as well. There is no commentary.
2. Takakeisho (O1w) (8-4--8-5) v Takayasu (M7e) (11-1--12-1) (Match Video) Takakeisho is on the right.
3. Mitakeumi (O2w) (9-3--10-3) v Wakatakakage (S1e) (11-1--11-2) (Match Video) Mitakeumi is on the right.
4. This was a Juryo (2nd Division) Match
Midorifuji (J6e) (9-3--10-3) v Kitanowaka (J10e) (9-3--9-4) (Match Video) Midorifuji is on the left.
When you are 171 cm (5'7") and weigh 112 kg (247 pounds)--extremely small at this level, you have to be creative every day in order to win. Midorifuji, who on Day 11 (see the link above) defeated 181 kg (399 pound) Oho (J1e) with his favorite Katasukashi (Under Shoulder Swing Down), today employed his 7th different Kimarite (winning technique--he has also won one match by disqualification) in his 10 wins. Today, he beat an opponent who only outweighed him by 36 kg (79 pounds) with a rarely used (only the 2nd time in all 6 Division Basho so far) Kubinage (Head Lock Throw), not an easy task against an opponent who was also 18 cm (5 inches) taller. After Kitanowaka sensibly tried to blast him out, he almost lost his balance escaping, but was then able to recover. Midorifuji, who reached the Top Division in January 2021 and won a Gino-sho (Techique Prize) in his first Basho there, injured his back in his 2nd Basho and continued in spite of the injury. This was not a good decision, in hind site, as the Top Division wrestlers began beating him regularly, as well as aggravating the injury. He was soon driven back Juryo and only in the last two Basho has begun wrestling really well. While probably only a Yusho (Championship) could immediately promote him back to Makuuchi (Top Division) (and his loss to a rampant Ryuden, who really is a Top Division man in Juryo's clothing showed he still has a way to go), he is definitely on an upward arc. He is great fun to watch, as are all undersized Rikishi, and will be a great addition to the team when (and of course if) he returns to Maakuchi.
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Chris Sumo Youtube. Chris Gould is a long time free lance Sumo journalist and videographer. His videos are shot at the venue.
Yes, title action from ALL six divisions on the most exciting day of the tournament yet. Here's the breakdown if you need.
Division 6 (0:00) Kototebakari (Jk10e) (7-0) v Kotokenryu (Jk13e) 7-0)--Playoff on Day 15 (Both are participating in their first professional Basho--they are stable mates.
Division 4 (3:11) Kanzaki (Sd100TD) 7-0, Yusho (Champion) This was Kanzaki's first professional Basho (see explanation below under Quotable)
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Photos:
Nikkan Sports Day 13 Photo Feature: There are photos today's Makuuchi matches, with selected Rikishi quotes. (Japanese). Today's feature includes photos from the Division 3 and 4 Championship matches.
There was no Mainichi Shimbun photo feature today.
Japanese Sumo Association Twitter Feed provides a steady stream of great photos throughout the Basho. Look for the dates on the tweets for the latest ones.
Sumo Forum's daily Photo Features are appearing on a one day delay at present
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B. Notable and Quotable
Note: Rikishi names that are not linked are those who are linked above in the videos.
Notable:
Kachi-koshi (8 wins) today:
Kotoeko (M12e)
Nishikigi (M16e)
Make-koshi (8 losses) today:
Onosho (M3e)
Chiyoshoma (M8e)
Myogiryu (M11e)
Chiyonokuni (M13w)
For the Day: (san'yaku)
Yokozuna Terunofuji (Y1e)--Out of the Basho with right heel and left knee problems
Ozeki: 1-2 Mitakeumi (W) is now 10-3, Takakeisho (L) 8-5, Shodai (L) 7-6
Sekiwake: 1-1 Wakatakakage (L) 11-2, Abi (W) 7-6
Komusubi: 1-1 Hoshoryu 6-7 (L), Takanosho 4-9 (W)
Through 13 Days Top Rankers are 56-41-7 (absences) (including 1 forfeit)
Through 13 Days in January: 44-38-9
The Maegashira (Rank and File) won 3 of 5 to san'yaku today. Takayasu (M7w) won and Kotonowaka (M6w) both beat Ozeki in crucial matches. In the Day standings Maegashira are now 2-7-4 against the Top Rankers
Through 13 Days: Maegashira are 26-40 v san'yaku
Through 13 Days in January: 26-32
Rookie Kotokuzan (M16w) (6-7) lost to Terutsuyoshi (M11w) (7-6) . He needs to win his last two matches to earn Kashi-koshi and be promoted, which means he would stay in the Top Division. A losing record will almost certainly drop him back to Juryo (2nd Division).
Ichiyamamoto (M17w) (6-7) defeated Tsurugisho (J1w) (6-7) in a match that both desperately needed. Ichiyamamoto was considered finished in the Top Division at 3-7 after an early five match losing streak. Since he is the lowest ranked Maegashira, he must earn Kachi-koshi to stay in the Top Division. Today he won his third in a row to remain in with a chance for 8 wins. At Tsurugisho's rank, a winning Basho would almost guarantee a promotion to Top Division. The win was achieved in 2.8 seconds. Each still has a chance to end up in either Top Division or Juryo. Today the pendulum swung to the Maegashira. Juryo Substitutes are now 4-3 against Makuuchi (Top Division).
There were 10 Kimarite (finishing moves) used today, including 3 throws. Two moves were used for the first time today: Backward Force Down (Abisetaoshi), and Outside Leg Trip (Sotogake).
Through 13 Days: 27 winning and 1 non-winning (losing); 9 throws, one swing.
Through 13 Days in January: 27 winning and 2 non-winning (losing); 7 throws, one swing.
Average Fighting Time
Through 13 Days: 10.3 seconds (265 matches)
Through 13 Days in January: 11.1 seconds (253 matches)
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Quotable:
"I hung in there for sure. He pushed me away a fair bit, but I somehow stayed in and my spirit got me through."
Takayasu (M7e) on his win after a titanic struggle with Takakeisho (O1w)
"I was able to execute some high-paced sumo."
Takayasu (Kyodo News)
"I simply can't lose to my university junior."
Mitakeumi (O2w) on his win over Wakatakakage (S1e), which knocked the latter out of a tie for the lea.
"Yes he got the jump on me, and I'll have to reflect."
Wakatakakage, still with an outside chance of being the first Shin-Sekiwake (1st Tournament at the Rank) since Futubayama in 1936 to win a Yusho.
Division 3 Champion
"He's a thruster like me so my plan was to knock him off his stride."
Kinbozan (Ms34w) on his win over Chiyonumi (Ms6e)
Division 4 Champion
"Even though I repelled him and tried to keep distance he got on the inside. But I held my nerve."
Kanzaki (Sd100) (7-0) on his win in a terrific match with Kiryuko (Sd29w)(6-1).
Note: As a university star, some Rikishi who enter Pro Sumo enter at a higher Division than those who are not. They receive no salary, like any other Division 3-6 participant. This was Kanzaki's first professional Basho.
C. Condensed results (21 matches)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
Day 13
Partial or complete absences from this Basho
*=Re-entered the Basho on Day 11
**=Re-entered the Basho on Day 12
Ishiura* (M5w) (1-6-6) (including 1 forfeit loss)
Terunofuji (Y1e) (3-3-7) (including 1 forfeit loss)
Chionokuni** (M13w) (5-4-4) (including 1 forfeit loss)
02.8s M17w Ichiyamamoto (6-7) tsukidashi J1w Tsurugisho (6-7)
10.8s M12e Kotoeko (8-5) oshidashi M14w Yutakayama (7-6)
09.0s M11w Terutsuyoshi (7-6) oshidashi M16w Kotokuzan (6-7)
05.2s M16e Nishikigi (8-5) kotenage M11e Myogiryu (5-8)
02.0s M10w Aoiyama (7-6) tsukidashi M13w Chiyonokuni (5-4-4)
49.8s M10e Shimanoumi (7-6) yorikiri M13e Chiyomaru (4-9)
00.6s M12w Chiyotairyu (6-7) hatakikomi M9w Wakamotoharu (8-5)
12.8s M9e Tobizaru (7-6) sukuinage M14e Kotoshoho (7-6)
04.3s M17e Kagayaki (6-7) sukuinage M8e Chiyoshoma (5-8)
18.5s M7w Okinoumi (4-9) sukuinage M15e Akua (3-10)
05.9s M8w Sadanoumi (4-9) oshidashi M5w Ishiura (1-6-6)
20.3s M4e Kiribayama (9-4) sotogake M15w Tochinoshin (8-5)
00.8s M6e Hokutofuji (7-6) hatakikomi M2w Tamawashi (6-7)
16.4s M1w Ura (3-10) okuridashi M3w Meisei (1-12)
02.0s M1e Daieisho (6-7) hatakikomi M3e Onosho (5-8)
06.2s M2e Ichinojo (9-4) abisetaoshi K1w Hoshoryu (6-7)
08.7s K1e Takanosho (4-9) yorikiri M5e Takarafuji (4-9)
04.9s S1w Abi (7-6) tsukidashi M4w Endo (7-6)
05.6s O2w Mitakeumi (10-3) yorikiri S1e Wakatakakage (11-2)
28.8s M7e Takayasu (12-1) uwatenage O1w Takakeisho (8-5)
07.0s M6w Kotonowaka (10-3) yorikiri O1e Shodai (7-6)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of bouts data (see result sources below)
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D. Finishing Moves (21 matches--268 Total) Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique.
Source: Sumo Ref. BoutQuery..D13;(All)(Note: I have adjusted the query so that it reflects only wins. There is no longer any need to divide the linked bout query results by two. (Corrected March 23, 2022)
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri).................4(64)
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).......................3(28)
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi).................3(57)