Sumo Game: News

Makuuchi Yusho:	M2 Norizo (13-2; 107 points)
Juryo Yusho:	J7 Pandaazuma (11-4; 108 points)
Makushita Yusho:	m43 Kiriazuma (12-3; 104 points)
Gino-sho:	M4 Kaiowaka (11-4; 111 points)
Kanto-sho:	M4 Kaiowaka (11-4; 111 points) M16 Tsuyoikaze (11-4; 104 points)
Shukun-sho:	not awarded

by Takanotaki, 2007/7/22

Nagoya Basho 2007 - Senshuraku

Well, yet another Grand Sumo tournament is in the books with Asashoryu overcoming a day 1 upset by Aminishiki and putting together a nice 14 match winning streak to win his 21st emperor’s cup. Though Kotomitsuki was able to put enough wins together for promotion to Ozeki, he fell one match short on senshuraku of a truly legendary performance. And while the much anticipated battle between Yokozuna’s saw Hakuho being easily escorted out of the ring by Asashoryu with little resistance we still have many more great matches ahead of us. Just give Hakuho some time to grow into his new rank!.

In Sumo Game, the server problems from day 9, at first, didn’t seem to affect the leader board in any of the divisions but as the final week continued on it became apparent that the best course of action was to just throw out the results of a very confusing day. Personally, I think it was the best thing to do and I hope there were no hard feelings over the decision. For me, this is my favorite corner of the internet and I have always enjoyed the friendly competition among sumo enthusiasts like yourselves. Although it is easy to get protective over stats and yusho hunts, in the end, this is all about relaxing and having a good time. Hopefully, we can all agree to that!

With that being said…

In Makunouchi division the title goes to WM2 Norizo after a senshuraku victory over EM3 Igiski and a 13-2 record. Remarkably, this is Norizo’s third yusho in his last seven tournaments. EM4 Kaiowaka picked up the Ginosho and the Kantosho while EM16 Tsuyoikaze also received the Kantosho. In Juryo, WJ7 Pandaazuma was able to win the yusho after dominating for most of the tournament. Although Panadaazuma lost on day 15 allowing WJ9 Chikaraho to catch him with total wins, Panadaazuma had 100 points to Chikaraho’s 97 (with day 9 points being excluded from the totals) and was victorious in a play-off. In Makushita, there was a three way playoff among Wm15 Ganzohnesushi, Wm43 Kiriazuma and Em49 Abudisake all with a 12-3 record. However, Kiriazuma was awarded the yusho with 98 points. Ganzohnesushi’s had 97 points while Abudisake had 94.

Congratulations to all the winners and we hope to see everyone back here in the fall. Have a fun and safe summer!

by Nushuzan, 2007/7/22

Nagoya Basho 2007 - Yusho Decision

Due to the server problem on day 9, which resulted in a chaotic situation regarding lineup submissions (many not being able to submit lineups, while others were able to submit perfect lineups after the matches had already finished), I decided to omit the points scored on day 9, when calculating each player's point total for the yusho and sansho decision process.

The point total can become the deciding factor in the yusho decision process in case of a playoff. Likewise, the point total is the major factor in selecting the ginosho winner(s).

Thank you for understanding!

by Takanotaki, 2007/7/22

Nagoya Basho 2007 - Day 14

Going into the final day of the Nagoya Basho 2007 none of Sumo Game divisions have been decided yet. In Makunounchi, a recent slide by EM2 Nushuzan has put WM2 Norizo in sole leadership and in excellent shape to pick up the third top division yusho of his career. A win on Senshuraku give him the title out right while a loss could force a playoff with Nushuzan or EM4 Kaiowaka should they manage to pick up their 12th win. In terms of total points, most important in any tie break, Kaiowaka is in the best position with 105 while Norizo has 99 and Nushuzan has 96.

In Juryo, WJ7 Pandaazuma(11-3) has managed to stay one step ahead of the competition most of the tournament and could win the yusho with a victory on final day. A loss, however, would force a play off with himself and the winner of the match between WJ1 Flohru and WJ9 Chikaraho who are both one match down at 10-4. If WJ5 Romanohana should win, he too could join any play-off with a loss by Panadaazuma. In terms of total points, Pandaazuma has a clear advantage with 103. Flohru has 100 points while Chikaraho has 97 and Romanohana has 96.

In Makushita, a five way tie among Em4 Shiyonfuji, Wm15 Ganzohnesushi, Wm33 Fatakiyama, Wm43 Kiriazuma and EM49 Abudisake has made for an numerous championship scenarios going into the final day. With a playoff likely, total points are going to be extremely important. Shiyonofuji has the best chance to win any playoff with his 102 points but not far behind are Fatakiyama with 101 and Ganzohnesushi with 100.

by Nushuzan, 2007/7/22

Nagoya Basho 2007 - Day 13

The plot thickens at the Nagoya Basho 2007 as the hunt for the Emperor's Cup continues. On Day 13 Kotomitsuki all but assured himself of an Ozeki promotion with a hard fought match over the young star Homasho. His 12 wins this tournament, including a win over Yokozuna Hakuho, should be enough to convince the sumo association of a boost to sumo's second highest rank. Meanwhile, Hakuho was defeated by Kotooshu to fall to 11-2. The most bizarre match of the day however was the final match between Asashoryu and Chiotaikai. A less than crisp tachiai by Chiotakai led to an easy victory by the Yokozuna. Chiotakai claimed he wasn't set but the match proceeded even with the miscue. Asashoryu picked up co-leadership with Kotomitsuki without even breaking a sweat.

In Sumo Game, EM2 Nushuzan was defeated by Komusubi Golynohana for his second loss of the tournament. In the battle between yusho hopefuls WM2 Norizo and EM4 Kaiowaka, it was Norizo who was able to notch a win to pull even with Nushuzan at 11-2. Kaiowaka falls to 10-3 but is still in yusho contention. EM16 Tsuyoikaze broke a two match losing streak to remain in the chase at 10-3.

In Juryo, WJ7 Pandaazuma was defeated on day 13 but continues to lead the division at 10-3. One match down are WJ1 Flohru, WJ5 Romanohana and WJ9 Chikaraho at 9-4. The Makushita divison fell into complete disarray going into the final weekend as both leaders Em4 Shiyonofuji and Wm52 Yotsich were unable to secure a victory. As a result, we now have a eight way battle for the yusho. Wm43 Kiriazuma, the reincarnation of Sumo Games first Yokozuna Kirinoumi, is one of those tied at 10-3.

by Nushuzan, 2007/7/21

Nagoya Basho 2007 - Day 12

After 12 days of the Nagoya Basho 2007 Asashoryu, Hakuho and Kotomitsuki continued their winning ways to make this one of the most exciting bashos in recent memory. Everyone expected Asashoryu and Hakuho to be in the hunt to the bitter end, but having Kotomitsuki in contention as well has made for a fantastic added bonus.

In Makunouchi, EM2 Nushuzan, who is now 11-1, emerged as sole leader after defeating EM16 Tsuyoikaze in a close match. WM2 Norizo and EM4 Kaiowaka were both handed their second loss of the tournament and must face each other on day 13 in a head to head match that will add further clarity in the leader board going into the final weekend. Nushuzan will face Komusubi Golynohana who hopes to remain mathematically alive for the yusho with a victory.

In Juryo, WJ7 Pandaazuma continues his march toward a yusho after improving to 10-2. Pandaazuma has opened a two match gap over the field after WJ10 Sunibono dropped down to 8-4. In Makushita, Em4 Shiyonofuji and Wm52 Yotsich survived the shake-up in the leader board to rise to the top at 10-2. A pack of 10 others is waiting in the wings at 9-3.

by Nushuzan, 2007/7/20

Nagoya Basho 2007 - Day 11

Things just got interesting in the Nagoya Basho 2007 as Asashoryu handed Ozeki candidate Kotomitsuki his first loss of the tournament. As a result, Asashoryu, Hakuho and Kotomitsuki are in a deadlock at 10-1 going into the home stretch with four days remaining. Catch your breath folks because this is going to be a wild ride to the finish!

In Sumo Game all three divisions are still very much undecided at this point and action is starting to pick up as well. In Makunouchi division, EM16 Tsuyoikaze was the first of the leaders to fall to his second defeat of the tournament as he was upended by WM7 Ulsimitsuki is a lopsided match. Tsuyoikaze can redeem himself on day 12 if he can defeat EM2 Nushuzan in a highlight bout with yusho implications. Nushuzan is co-leader at this point along with WM2 Norizo and EM4 Kaiowaka at 10-1. Norizo will face the Yokozuna Doitsuyama on day 12 while Kaiowaka will square off with Komusubi Tosahayate.

In Juryo, WJ7 Pandaazuma continues to have a one match lead over the field. He upped his record on day 11 to 9-2 and has a one match lead over WJ10 Sunibono. In Makushita, long time leader Wm33 Fatakiyama picked up his second loss of the tournament to fall to 9-2. As a result, Fatakiyama now shares the lead with Em4 Shiyonofuji, Em49 Abudisake, Wm52 Yotsich and Wm72 Kotonofuji who are also at 9-2.

by Nushuzan, 2007/7/19

Nagoya Basho 2007 - Day 10

Ten days into the Nagoya Basho 2007 and we have a real battle going on, not only on the real dohyo but in our virtual dohyo as well. Kotomitsuki upended the Yokozuna Hakuho in a match of undefeated rikishi to move him one step closer to an Ozeki promotion. A day 11 highlight bout against Asashoryu will either put Kotomitsuki in a good position to pick up the yusho or send this tournament into a very exciting final four days! Don't you dare miss it!

In Sumo Game, on day 10, the leader board of the Makunouchi division remains unchanged. For the third straight day we have a four way tie among EM2 Nushuzan, WM2 Norizo, EM4 Kaiowaka and EM16 Tsuyoikaze at 9-1. Two matches back are Komusubi Golynohana and EM18 Aobanoniji at 7-3. In Juryo, though having dropped 2 of the last 3 matches, WJ7 Pandaazuma(8-1) remains the sole leader. His nearest rival WJ1 Flohru also lost on day 10 to find himself in a four way tie with EJ3 Pastanoyama, WJ5 Romanohana and WJ10 Sunibono for the runner-up poistion. In Makushita, Wm33 Fatakiyama remains the man to beat for the yusho and is now 9-1 for the tournament.

by Nushuzan, 2007/7/18

Nagoya Basho 2007 - Days 8-9

After nine days of the Nagoya Basho 2007 there have been few changes in the leader board, thankfully considering the crazy weekend with Sumo Game. Again, please accept our sincerest apologies. In Makunouchi division, EM16 Tsuyoikaze who dropped his first match of the tournament at Nakabi got back to his winning ways on day 9. He is now in a four way tie with EM2 Nushuzan, WM2 Norizo and EM4 Kaiowaka all at 8-1. Two matches back and still very much alive in the yusho hunt are a group of three others at 6-4.

In Juryo, WJ7 Pandaazuma remains the sole leader at 8-1. One match off the pace is WJ1 Flohru at 7-2. In Makushita, Wm33 Fatakiyama continues his dominance in the division and is still the man to catch at 8-1. One match down is a sizable pack of nine at 7-2 should Fatakiyama have problems down the stretch.

by Nushuzan, 2007/7/17

Nagoya Basho 2007 - Server Problems

The server, which the Sumo Game is located on, failed yesterday due to faulty hardware, and had to be replaced. Not only resulted this in an unavailability of the website for several hours on July 13th and 16th, but also in a temporarily wrongly configured new server, which made it possible to submit predictions for day 9 after the matches were already finished.

While some players were not able to enter predictions at all for day 6 and 9, others took the opportunity to enter perfect line-ups for day 9.

I am very sorry for the chaotic situation of the Sumo Game, which resulted from these server problems. There is now a new server in place, which I expect to work without any problems from now.

As for the results for day 6 and 9, I am afraid, they will be left as they are.

Please accept my apologies & thank you for your understanding.

by Takanotaki, 2007/7/17

Nagoya Basho 2007 - Day 7

There was no change in the leader board in any of the divisions on day 7. In Makunouchi division, EM16 Tsuyoikaze remains undefeated at 7-0 and continues to have a one match lead over EM2 Nushuzan, WM2 Norizo and EM4 Kaiowaka. In Juryo, WJ7 Pandaazuma is still perfect but could not increase his lead over WJ1 Flohru who also won today. In Makushita, Wm33 Fatakiyama is still in control with five others one match down at 6-1.

Scoring for day 7 was high at 7.56 with Em42 Hokuromitsu scoring a perfect 10 on the day.

by Nushuzan, 2007/7/15

Nagoya Basho 2007 - Day 6

After six days of the Nagoya Basho 2007 overall scoring continues to hover in the mid-six point range. Em54 Akatsukinosora(4-2) picked up his first perfect day of his career to help skew the days average upward to 6.77. In Makunouchi, EM16 Tsuyoikaze continues to set the pace and is still undefeated at 6-0. Nipping at his heels are EM2 Nushuzan, WM2 Norizo and WM4 Kaiowaka at 5-1. In Juryo, WJ7 Panadaazuma remains the sole leader with WJ1 Flohru one match down at 5-1. In Makushita, a day 6 loss by new-comer Wm72 Kotonofuji gives Wm33 Fatakiyama sole leadership while Kotonofuji now finds himself in a pack with seven others at 5-1.

by Nushuzan, 2007/7/14

Nagoya Basho 2007 - Day 5

Day five of the Nagoya Basho 2007 was the highest scoring day of the tournament thus far at 7.29 with four wrestlers notching a perfect score including the Yokozuna Doitsuyama who improved his record to 3-2. Overall scoring for the tournament increased to a nice round number of 6.50.

In Makunouchi division after the first third of the Nagoya Basho EM16 Tsuyoikaze is now the sole leader after Sekiwake Ekigozan was handed his first loss by former Sekiwake Gaijingai in close match. Ekigozan joins five others at 4-1. In Juryo, WJ7 Pandaazuma improved his record to 5-0 to remain at the top of the leaderboard. At 4-1 are a pair of former Makunochi regulars WJ1 Flohru and WJ10 Sunibono. In Makushita, Wm37 Fatakiyama and Wm72 Kotonofuji are still perfect at 5-0.

by Nushuzan, 2007/7/13

Nagoya Basho 2007 - Days 2-4

After four days of the Nagoya Basho 2007 scoring has been in the 6 to 7 point range with upsets over the heavily favored Ozeki's becoming nearly a daily event so far. Overall scoring has settled in at 6.33 which is a tad below Sumo Game average for a tournament. In Makunouchi division Sekiwake Ekigozan and EM16 Tsuyoikaze are leading the charge at 4-0. Ekigozan is still very much alive for a return to Ozeki if he can continue to dominate his opponents as he has in the early stages of the Nagoya tournament. Tsuyoikaze on the other hand has rocketed up the ranks and has a fine career winning average at 69%. Minus a couple of kyujos and he might even be in upper Makunouchi by now.

In Juryo, WJ7 Pandaazuma is still perfect, and all alone at the top spot. He is followed five others at 3-1 including former Sekiwake Flohru who hopes to work his way back into the top division with a winning record. In Makushita, Em6 Banjakubouken, Em10 Taniazuma, Wm33 Fatakiyama and Wm72 Kotonofuji are the early co-leaders at 4-0.

by Nushuzan, 2007/7/11

Nagoya Basho 2007 - Day 1

Welcome to the Nagoya Basho 2007!

With summer upon us, we have the usual drop in participating players as many go kyujo for holiday travel and relaxation. While, I, for one, wouldn't mind a nice beach to sit on and soak in some sun, I wouldn't want to miss this tournament either. For the first time in several years we have a two Yokozuna rivalry which is something the sumo association has desperately needed. On shonichi, Hakuho made quick work of his opponent to pick up his first career victory as Yokozuna while Asashoryu starts off the new era of sumo at 0-1 after losing to Komusubi Aminiski, who also defeated the Yokozuna last tournament as well. The start of the Nagoya tournament has been dramatic, but we still have two weeks of action to go. Let's just hope the Nagoya fans start buying up those tickets!

For Sumo Game, we are once again devoid of an Ozeki with only former Ozeki Ekigozan having a mathematical shot at a promotion...as long as he can pick up a 13-2 record for the tournament. Day one for the Nagoya basho has started off on the low side with scoring at 5.54 thanks in part to a loss by Asashoryu and heavily favored Baruto, up from Juryo after a knee injury earlier in the year.

Good luck to all and enjoy!

by Nushuzan, 2007/7/8