Sumo Game: News

Makuuchi Yusho:	M16 Yuko (11-4; 104 points)
Juryo Yusho:	J7 Huumi (14-1; 105 points)
Makushita Yusho:	m68 Mysko (13-2; 98 points)
Gino-sho:	M3 Kaiowaka (9-6; 105 points) M8 Golynohana (8-7; 105 points) M18 Kotononami (9-6; 105 points)
Kanto-sho:	M16 Yuko (11-4; 104 points)
Shukun-sho:	M4 Ekigozan (10-5; 101 points)

by Takanotaki, 2007/3/26

Haru Basho 2007 - Day 15

Well, yet another tournament is in the record books and although Hakuho picked up the second yusho of his career, the style in which is was accomplished will be debated for some time to come. However, some could argue that Asashoryu got beat by his own game and judging by the look on the Yokozuna's face immediately after the play-off bout, he knew it as well! Personally, it would be nice to see Hakuho as a Yokozuna since sumo really needs a rivalry. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the tournament was the newcomer Tochiozan. Although one tournament does not make a career, he could very well become the next Japanese sensation in a sport that has become dominated by 'foreign' rikishi of late.

In Sumo Game, WM16 Yuko picks up the yusho in the Makunouchi division with an 11-4 record for the tournament. Yuko also picks up the kantosho while EM4 Ekigozan was awarded the shukunsho. The ginosho was given to WM3 Kaiowaka, WM8 Golynohana and EM18 Kotononami with all finishing the Haru basho with 105 points.

In Juryo, WJ7 Huumi picks up the yusho was an outstanding 14-1 record, besting the field by 4 wins. In Makushita, newcomer Wm68 Mysko picks the yusho over Wm16 Meyeryu due to a tie break. Although both finished with the same record and tied in total points Mysko had a higher number of 8+ days than Meyeryu for the title.

Congratulations to all the tournament and special prize winners! See you in May for Natsu basho!

by Nushuzan, 2007/3/26

Haru Basho 2007 - Day 14

Going into the final day of the Haru Basho 2007 two of the three divisions are still are still up for grabs. In Makunouchi, we can either have an easy scenario or one that becomes very complicated. At this point, we have two wrestlers that control their own destiny: WM16 Yuko and WM18 Fujisan. Both are sitting at the top of the division with a 10-4 record and both will be facing a different Komusubi on senshuraku. If either should win while the other loses, then the winning wrestler will pick up the yusho outright. If they both win, then it would come down to total points to determine the yusho with Yuko in the best position with a six point advantage in points after 14 days. However, if they should both lose, then all of those who manage to pick up a 10th win on senshuraku would have a shot at the title. Depending on how they day works out, this could be as few as two or as many five other contenders with total points being the first level of tie break.

In Makushita, the same easy way-hard way scenerio is in play with Wm16 Meyeryu and Wm68 Mysko in the best position for a yusho. A win by one and a loss by the other would lock up the Makushita crown. Both are tied with total points at 92 so the picks for senshuraku will be extremely important for both of them in case it comes down to a tie on total points. A loss by both would allow those picking up their 12 win on the final day an opportunity to join into a tie breaker with as many a six other participants mathematically alive.

by Nushuzan, 2007/3/25

Haru Basho 2007 - Day 13

Going into the final weekend of the Haru Basho 2007 at least on of the three divisions already has a yusho winner. By virtue of his commanding performance WJ7 Huumi locked up the Juryo crown with an insurmountable lead going into day today's action. Huumi now has a 12-1 record with the next nearest rival EJ1 Tsuyoikaze at 9-3 therefore statistically eliminating him from contention. Congratulations goes out to Huumi!

In Makunouchi, the yusho is up for grabs once again with Sekiwake Tosahayate and WM16 Yuko pulling even with yesterday's sole leader WM18 Fujisan who was defeated by EM3 Mariohana. All three wrestlers are now at 9-3. Day 14 will pit Tosahayate against Fujisan in a battle with the yusho implications, while Yuko faces EM1 Gaijingai who is one match down and could climb back into the yusho hunt with a victory. In fact, if Gaijingai wins on day 14 all of those with 5 losses would still have a shot at the yusho should the winner of the of the Tosahayate-Fujisan bout stumble on senshuraku.

In Makushita, Wm68 Mysko remains the sole leader at 12-1 with Wm15 Toonnoryu, Wm16 Meyeryu and Wm55 Daizan one match off the pace at 11-2.

by Nushuzan, 2007/3/24

Haru Basho 2007 - Day 12

With four of the top ten most selected rikishi losing on day 12 scoring for the day returned to the 5 point range after several days of decent numbers. The surprise kyujo by Tochiazuma helped some pad their stats for the day, however, it appears that most participants failed to catch the news before the deadline time for picks. As it stands now, the tournament average is now at 6.41 with three tough day of decisions ahead.

In Makunouchi after 12 days, WM18 Fujisan is now the sole leader of the Haru basho at 9-3 after co-leaders EM4 Ekigozan and EM15 Susanoo were defeated by their opponents. Ekigozan and Susanoo are joined by Sekiwake Tosahayate and WM16 Yuko at 8-4 and still very much alive in the yusho chase. In Juryo, WJ7 Huumi who is now 11-1 has taken a commanding lead over his nearest rival for the yusho. With a three match lead over the field, Huumi can wrap up the division with a win on day 13. In Makushita, newcomer Wm68 Mysko at 11-1, continues to set the pace for the yusho hunt and is now leading a group of 6 by one match.

by Nushuzan, 2007/3/23

Haru Basho 2007 - Day 11

On day 11 of the Haru Basho two of the three divisions have thinned out the number of yusho hopefuls to just a handful while the third division became wide open after todays action. In Makunouchi, sole leader EM15 Susanoo was defeated for just the third time this tournament by EM5 Nushuzan allowing both EM4 Ekigozan and WM18 Fujisan to equal Susanoo's record of 8-3. One match behind the trio is a sizeable group 7 at 7-4 all with a legitimate shot at the yusho should the co-leaders have a bad day down the home stretch. In Juryo, WJ7 Huumi improved his record to 10-1 and opened up a two match lead over over WJ10 Tamanaogijima and WJ12 Aabatoba. In Makushita, Wm16 Meyeryu and WM68 Mysko are co-leaders at 10-1 with a group of 7 one match down at 9-2.

by Nushuzan, 2007/3/22

Haru Basho 2007 - Day 10

On day 10 of the Haru Basho 2007 EM15 Susanoo won an important battle with Makunouchi yusho contender EM7 Mushi to continue sole leadership at 8-2. Susanoo is followed by a group of four at 7-3 including Sekiwake Tosahayate, Sekiwake Lesoshoryu, EM4 Ekigozan and WM18 Fujisan. It should be noted at this point that although none of the Sekiwake's will be eligible for promotion to Ozeki in the following tournament, a strong showing by Tosahayate down the stretch would put him in excellent postion in May should he finish with double digit wins.

In Juryo, WJ7 Huumi has taken over sole leadership of this division thanks to a day 10 loss by WJ10 Tamanaojima. Huumi is now at 9-1 while Tamanaojima is one match off the pace at 8-2. At 7-3, and still lurking in the shadows, are WJ12 Aabatoba and WJ14 Koriyama. In Makushita, Wm16 Meyeryu, Wm19 Aderechelseamaru and Wm68 Mysko are in a three way fight for the yusho 9-1.

by Nushuzan, 2007/3/21

Haru Basho 2007 - Day 9

Moving into the second week of the Haru Basho 2007, action in all three divisions are heating up. In Makunouchi, EM15 Susanoo emerged as sole leader thanks to winning a head-to-head match-up against EM4 Ekigozan (and not Sekiwake Lesoshoryu as stated in the previous report) who was one of the co-leaders going into the day. Susanoo now has a one match lead over seven wrestlers including EM7 Mushi who will face Susanoo on day 10. A win by Mushi could send the entire division into a free for all in the remaining days while a win for Susanoo would could trim the field of yusho hopefuls down considerably.

In Juryo, both WJ7 Huumi and WJ10 Tamanaogijima won today and are both 8-1 for the tournament. As a result, they have now opened a two match lead over their nearest competitor. In Makushita, Wm16 Meyeryu, Wm19 Aderechelseamaru, Wm56 Bunijiman and newcomer Wm68 Mysko are now co-leaders at 8-1. Both Meyeryu and Bunijiman having recovered from a loss on Shonichi are sitting on an 8 match winning streak going into day 10.

by Nushuzan, 2007/3/20

Haru Basho 2007 - Days 7 and 8

At Nakabi of the Haru Basho 2007 scoring has picked up across the board with day 7 registering at 7.52 and day 8 slightly less at 7.45. Overall average for the tournament has also been on the increase erasing the dismal day one score and now sits at 6.39.

In Makunouchi division action at the mid-point EM5 Nushuzan who had sole leadership after day 7 was defeated by Sekiwake Lesoshoryu on day 8. Both are now 6-2 and are joined by EM4 Ekigozan, WM18 Fujisan who is riding a four match winning streak into the second week and EM15 Susanoo. Susanoo will face Lesoshoryu on day 9 in a head to head match with possible yusho implications.

In Juryo, WJ10 Tamanaogijima lost on day 7 but got backed to his winning ways at Nakabi to improve to 7-1 while WJ7 Huumi took advantage of Tamanaogijima's slip and has equalled the mark of 7-1 for a share of the lead. Meanwhile, the Makushita divison is still up for grabs with 7 members fighting it out at 7-1.

by Nushuzan, 2007/3/19

Haru Basho 2007 - Day 6

With the top eight most selected wrestlers winning, scoring for day 6 was the highest, so far, for the Haru Basho. Today's average was 7.65 bringing the average for tournament above the 6 point, for the first time, at 6.02. Ozeki Tochiazuma, in search of his fourth career Emperor's cup has a one match lead over Hakuho, Kotomitsuki and Kakuryu. The real question on everyone's mind at this point is will his knee hold out long enough to survive the sanyaku gauntlet that he will be facing in the coming days. Also, an Asashoryu-Tochiazuma match-up could be really exicting this basho as Tochiazuma has found a way to beat Asashoryu over the years and would love to keep as much distance on the leaderboard from himself and the Yokozuna.

In Sumo Game action for day 6, there is now a three way tie at the top of the Makunouchi leaderboard among Sekiwaki Lesoshoryu, EM4 Ekigozan and EM5 Nushuzan at 5-1. A sizeable pack of 12 others are one match off the pace at 4-2. In Juryo, WJ10 Tamanaojima pulled off a perfect day to find himself all alone at the top spot at 6-0. He is followed by WJ7 Huumi and WJ12 Aabotoba at 5-1. In Makushita, both leaders Wm14 Frinkanohana and Em18 Bill were sent for their first loss to put the leaderboard in that division into complete disarray. As it stands now, there are 15 wrestlers at 5-1.

by Nushuzan, 2007/3/17

Haru Basho 2007 - Day 5

Day five of the Haru Basho saw a shake up in the leader board of the Makunouchi division as both leaders EM5 Nushuzan and WM14 Asashimaru were handed their first loss of the tournament. They are now joined with four others at 4-1 including Sekiwake Lesoshoryu who still clings to an outside shot at Ozeki promotion and former Ozeki Ekigozan who hopes to regain his position in the sanyaku ranks. EM7 Mushi and WM15 Sunibono are also at 4-1.

In Juryo, WJ7 Huumi and WJ10 Tamanaogijima are still perfect after 5 days and are at the top of the leaderboard. Huumi has been progressing nicely up the banzuke since joining in Nagoya 2005 and hopes to break into the top division soon. In Makushita, it is also a two way race at this stage with Wm14 Frinkanohana and Em18 Bill undefeated at 5-0.

Scoring for day five was a respectable 7.07 with Wm6 Terarno becoming the second member to notch a perfect 10 in this low scoring tournament.

by Nushuzan, 2007/3/16

Haru Basho 2007 - Day 4

After four days of the Haru Basho 2007, scoring remains very low at 5.41 for the day and an overall average for the tournament at 5.35. With several key upsets a day and few dominate rikishi at the mid to lower Maegashira ranks it has been a pretty frustrating tournament thus far.

In Makunouchi division action, WM14 Asashimaru survived a scrappy bout with EM15 Susanoo on day four to remain perfect at 4-0. Also at 4-0 is EM5 Nushuzan. In Juryo, EJ6 Ketsukai, WJ7 Huumi, WJ10 Tamanaogijima and WJ12 Aabatoba are still undefeated and holding a share of the the leaderboard. Makushita's undefeated have been trimmed to five and include Em6 Darkanishiki, Wm14 Frinkanohana, Em18 Bill, Wm19 Aderechelseamaru and Wm41 Chiyosifuji.

by Nushuzan, 2007/3/15

Haru Basho 2007 - Days 2 and 3

After starting off slowly on day 1, scoring for the Haru Basho picked on days two and three, settling in at 5.78 and 7.39 respectively. Asashoryu who was upset yet again on day two by Miyabiyama blew past Futeno today in a very decisive victory. A collective sigh of relief is in order for the 96% of the Sumo Game participants that put him at, or near, the top of their picks for the third day. With Asashoryu two matches off the pace at this early stage, it should make the tourament interesting, especially during the second week when the Sanyakyu foes begin to challenge each other for the yusho.

In the Makunouchi division after three days EM15 Susanoo managed to pick a perfect 10 on the day and is now co-leader at 3-0 along with EM5 Nushuzan, WM14 Asashimaru and WM15 Sunibono. On day 4, Susanoo and Asashimaru will face each other in an early head to head match up among leaders. In Juryo, 6 participants remain undefeated and in Makushita the number with a perfect mark is now down to 12.

by Nushuzan, 2007/3/13

Haru Basho 2007 - Day 1

Welcome to the Haru Basho 2007! This tournament promises to be a wild one as we have already seen from the shonichi results. We have a total of 168 participants, which is off a bit from recent tournaments, however, we did manage to pick up eight newcomers to the game. At the top of the banzuke, we have Yokozuna Doitsuyama who survived a demotion scare last in January and is now ready to continue his winning ways. For the third tournament in a row we have a huge hole in the upper sanyaku with the lack of an Ozeki. Both Sekiwake Tosahayate and Sekiwake Lesoshoryu have an outside shot at promotion to this rank but would need a 13-2 record this basho.

Day one for the tournament saw scores on the ugly side at 2.82. This makes it the lowest scoring opening day since Sumo Game's start and the second lowest of all time but just a small margin. Most notable of all the upsets on shonichi was Asashoryu who was upended by Tokitenku. For those not living in Japan, Asashoryu has been the subject of a lot of gossip and speculation in the off season about match rigging and perhaps the stress of being dogged by the press is taking a toll on his psyche. However, look for Asashoryu to bounce back nicely in the following days as he attempts to prove his critics wrong.

by Nushuzan, 2007/3/12