Sumo Game: News

Makuuchi Yusho:	M5 Nushuzan (12-3; 107 points)
Juryo Yusho:	J3 Zenjimoto (12-3; 102 points)
Makushita Yusho:	m52 Derosa (13-2; 105 points)
Gino-sho:	M5 Nushuzan (12-3; 107 points) M13 Norizo (11-4; 107 points)
Kanto-sho:	not awarded
Shukun-sho:	not awarded

by Takanotaki, 2010/1/26

Hatsu Basho 2010 - Day 15

The first tournament of 2010 had lots of drama during the first week with Kaio going on to break Chiyonofuji's all time Makunouchi win record while at the same time causing Chiyotaikai to final hang it up. Also, we had quite a jam at the top of the leader board early on, something that hadn't happened in over a quarter of a century. However, as the second week kicked in, many of the leaders couldn't keep their winning ways going as the pressure to perform at such a high level finally caught up with their abilities. Hakuho who was perhaps mentally and physically fatigued from going 86-4 in 2009 had just enough lapse in concentration on days 12 and 13 to allow Asashoryu to pull away making the final weekend a ho-hum affair while grabbing his 25th Emperor's Cup on the penultimate day. Other than Asashoryu breaking a deadlock with Kitanoumi for third on the all time yusho win list the only other real story at the end was Baruto who finally looked like he can make a serious run for Ozeki after going 12-3 this time around.

In Sumo Game WM5 Nushuzan who had a lock on the Makunouchi yusho on day 14 went on to claim the Ginosho, with 107 points, along with WM13 Norizo the runner up. Sadly, Ozeki Sumio fell one win shy of Yokozuna promotion and will have to either go 14-1 next tournament or most likely start over from scratch.

In Juryo, EJ12 Zenjimoto pulled away from the field on the final day to improve to 12-3 and win the title. In Makushita, Wm52 Derosa defeated Wm59 Genya in a play-off, after both improved to 13-2, to win the yusho.

Congratulations to all the winners!

by Nushuzan, 2010/1/26

Hatsu Basho 2010 - Day 14

With one day remaining in the Hatsu Basho 2010 the yusho for the Makunouchi division has already been decided as WM5 Nushuzan has kept a two match lead over the field with a win on day fourteen. His nearest competitors Sekiwake Randomitsuki and WM13 Norizo despite improving to double digits in wins will not be able to catch the leader. Nushuzan wins his second career Makunouchi title. The real story for senshuraku however is Yokozuna candidate Sumio who fell to 8-6 and now must pull out one big win for promotion with his opponent on the day being fellow Ozeki Doitsuyama. Good luck!

In Juryo division, it is now down to a two man race for the yusho between EJ3 Zenjimoto and EJ1 Heruwejima. For Zenjimoto the task is simple: a win on the final day will up his record to 12-3 and hand him the title. A loss by Zenjimoto and a win by EJ1 Heruwejima, however, will force a playoff. Heruwejima has a six point advantage over Zenjimoto, 102-96, and would most likely be wide enough for a come from behind yusho win.

In Makushita, the scenario for the yusho could become complicated depending on the senshuraku results. At present Em8 Kodji, Wm52 Derosa and Em59 Genya are in the best position for the title. A win by any one of them and a loss by the other two would give the yusho to victorious participant without a playoff. However, a playoff would be necessary if two or all three members pick up their thirteenth win. In terms of point totals Derosa has a slight advantage with 98 while Kodji with 96 and Genya at 95 having to make up some ground on the final day. Now, if all three should lose, it would give a chance for those now at 11-3 a shot at the title should they pick up one more victory. Em27 Krokonowaka with 101 points and Wm19 Canapayama with 98 have the best chance for a upset win.

Good luck to the yusho contenders!

by Nushuzan, 2010/1/24

Hatsu Basho 2010 - Day 13

Going into the final weekend of the New Year's tournament Yokozuna candidate Sumio moved one step closer to promotion with a victory over Makunouchi leader WM5 Nushuzan. Sumio's magic number is now 1 with two days remaining in the Basho. Nushuzan maintained his two match lead over the field, however, as both Ozeki Doitsuyama and Komusubi Konosato were also defeated by their opponents. Konosato can tighten up the race considerably on day 14 as he will meet the tournament leader in a head to head match. Also still statistically alive for the yusho are Sekiwake Randomitsuki, EM4 Sokkenaiyama and WM13 Norizo.

In Juryo, EJ3 Zenjimoto for the third time this tournament emerged as sole leader as both EJ6 Metzinowaka and WJ11 Gibuten slipped to 9-4. Also at 9-4 are EJ1 Heruwejima and WJ12 Sashimaru. In Makushita, all four co-leaders, Em8 Kodji, Wm19 Canapayama, Wm52 Derosa and Em59 Genya, were victorious to improve to 11-2 and thus keeping the division race for the yusho tight in the remaining days.

by Nushuzan, 2010/1/23

Hatsu Basho 2010 - Day 12

Scoring for day twelve of the Hatsu Basho was fairly consistent throughout the divisions as a few easy picks and a few major upsets had most participants finishing the day within the six to eight point range. Although the biggest upset of the day was to Kotooshu, who has a history of losing to smaller rikishi, the most important for the Emperor's Cup chance was to Hakuho who lost to Harumafuji and is now down a match to Asashoryu.

In Makunouchi action, WM5 Nushuzan has now opened a two match lead over the rest of the field after Ozeki Doitsuyama lost his second match in a row to fall to 9-3. Also at 9-3 is Komusubi Konosato after winning a close match with Yokozuna candidate Sumio. Sumio, who will face the leader on day 13, is still in the running for promotion only need to go 2-1 in the final three days to notch 22 wins in two tournaments. In Juryo, EJ3 Zenjimoto, EJ6 Metzinowaka and WJ11 Gibuten continue to do battle for the yusho while improving to 9-3. In Makushita, leader Em59 Genya fell to 10-2 allowing Em8 Kodji, Wm19 Canapayama and Wm52 Derosa to catch him on the leader board with the identical 10-2 mark.

by Nushuzan, 2010/1/22

Hatsu Basho 2010 - Day 11

Day eleven of the Hatsu Basho 2010 saw WM5 Nushuzan return as sole leader after Ozeki Doitsuyama was handed his second loss of the tournament in a close bout. At 8-3, and still within reach of the leader, are Komusubi Konosato and EM18 Kugliazuma. Yokozuna hopeful Sumio improved to 7-4 and now only needs two wins in the remaining four days to become Sumo Game's fourth Grand Champion. In Juryo, leader EJ3 Zenjimoto slipped into a four way tie after losing three of the last four days and is now joined by EJ1 Heruwejima, EJ6 Metzinowaka and WJ11 Gibuten for lead at 8-3. In Makushita, Em59 Genya emerged as sole leader at 10-1 after co-leaders Em8 Kodji and Wm49 Froclimitsuki fell to 9-2 joining a pack of five other two loss wrestlers.

by Nushuzan, 2010/1/21

Hatsu Basho 2010 - Day 10

The statistics for day 10 of the Hatsu Basho 2010 saw the overall average for the tournament fall to 6.37 as low scores were recorded across the board. And what started out as an exciting tournament with as many as ten rikishi with great records after the first week has settled down into the usual suspects with Hakuho and Asashoryu as co-leaders with a 9-1 record. Baruto and Kotooshu saw their yusho hopes deteriorate as both were upset by rank and filers that they should have easily defeated while Harumafuji got upended by Kaio who proved once again that he still has what it takes to win a big match.

In Makunouchi division WM5 Nushuzan saw his winning streak come to an end while falling to 9-1 for the basho. As a result, former Yokozuna Doitsuyama, having his best tournament in several years, pulled even with Nushuzan going into the final five days of action. One match down is EM18 Kungliazuma who picked up his first career kachikoshi in the upper division on day 10.

In Juryo, early leader EJ3 Zenjimoto got back to his winning ways to improve to 8-2 while reemerging as the man to beat as co-leader WJ11 Gibuten fell to 7-3. Gibuten joins EJ1 Heruwejima, EJ6 Metzinowaka and WJ12 Sashimaru in the runner up position. In Makushita, Wm49 Froclimitsuki also saw his winning streak come to an end allowing Em8 Kodji and Em59 Genya to crawl back into yusho contention. All are now 9-1.

by Nushuzan, 2010/1/20

Hatsu Basho 2010 - Days 8 and 9

Scoring for day nine of the Hatsu Basho was outstanding as the top nine most selected rikishi were victorious. Overall scoring, at 8.41, was good enough to break into the top ten highest scoring days of all time to land at number 9. A total of 28 participants picked up a perfect 10 with several of the bouts ending in a 10-10 tie break. Scoring for what has shaped up to be a difficult tournament improved of a meager 6.51.

In Makunouchi division, WM5 Nushuzan kept his winning streak going to improve to 9-0 and maintain his lead over the field. One loss off the pace is the rejuvenated Ozeki Doitsuyama who hopes that a stellar performance this basho might include enough victories for a return to the ranks of Yokozuna. Still within striking distance of the leader are Komusubi Konosato, EM4 Sokkenaiyama and EM18 Kugliazuma at 7-2. Ozeki Sumio, the victim of the 10-10 loss is now 5-4 with a magic number of four wins for Yokozuna promotion. Sumio, has had rallies in the later stages of the tournament several times in the past so don't count him out of the running for promotion just yet.

In Juryo, a two match slide by EJ3 Zenjimoto saw his two match lead evaporate and is tied with WJ11 Gibuten for co-leadership at 7-2. In Makushita, Wm49 Froclimitsuki remains unbeaten for sole leadership at 9-0 after Em8 Kodji saw his eight match winning streak snapped. Kodji joins a group of four others at 8-1.

by Nushuzan, 2010/1/19

Hatsu Basho 2010 - Day 7

On day seven of the Hatsu Basho 2010 Hakuho saw a 30 match winning streak snapped at the hands of Baruto who picked up his first career victory over a Yokozuna. As a result, the first tournament of the year was thrown into further chaos with nine wrestlers tied at 6-1. It should make for an exciting second week! Overall scoring for the day was low at 5.78 even though only three of the top ten most selected wrestlers were defeated.

In Makunouchi division WM5 Nushuzan was victorious over Ozeki Doitsuyama in a close battle of undefeated wrestlers to improve to 7-0. Doitsuyama fell to 6-1 and is now tied with Komusubi Konosato who are both one loss off the pace. In Juyro, EJ3 Zenjimoto opened a two match lead over the field with EJ1 Heruwejima, WJ3 Yuko and WJ11 Gibuten hoping to close the gap in the coming days. In Makushita, Em8 Kodji and Wm49 Froclimitsuki remain in deadlocked and still perfect for the tournament.

by Nushuzan, 2010/1/17

Hatsu Basho 2010 - Day 6

After six days of the Hatsu Basho 2010 the chase to catch sole leader Hakuho is on as a grand total of ten rikishi are now sitting on a 5-1 record while hoping the powerful Yokozuna has a miscue down the stretch. Although it makes for some exciting sumo in the coming days as gap between contenders and pretenders shakes down it also makes having ten solid picks for the day somewhat difficult. At present, the overall scoring for the tournament is now 6.30, which low for the first week of action, but scoring will most likely dip even more until the yusho race starts to take solid formation.

In Makunouchi division after six days both co-leaders Ozeki Doitsuyama and WM5 Nushuzan were victorious to improve to 6-0 and setting up an early highlight bout on day seven as the two will meet in a head-to-head bout for sole leadership. One match off the pace are Komusubi Konosato, EM4 Sokkenaiyama and WM4 Chocshoporyu. Yokozuna candidate Sumio has been bitten by a mini losing streak to fall to 3-3 and needs to get back to his winning ways before its too late. In Juryo, EJ3 Zenjimoto picked up his sixth win to remain at the top the leader board with WJ3 Yuko one loss away at 5-1. In Makushita, Em8 Kodji, Wm49 Froclimitsuki and Em68 Koorifuu upped their records to 6-0 for a share of the lead.

by Nushuzan, 2010/1/16

Hatsu Basho 2010 - Day 5

Day five of the Hatsu Basho 2010 had the highest scoring day thus far at 7.71. Scores for the day would have been much higher, however, if is wasn't for Goeido showing amazing agility for his size at the edge of the Dohyo and sending a surprised Asashoryu crashing into the front row for his first of the tournament. In Makunouchi division, Ozeki Doitsuyama and WM5 Nushuzan remain perfect at 5-0 to share the lead with a sizeable group of familiar names one match off the pace at 4-1. In Juryo, EJ3 Zenjimoto became the sole leader at 5-0 and is currently holding four one loss wrestlers at bay. In Makushita,　Em8 Kodji, Wm23 Fatakiyama, Em27 Krokonowaka, Wm49 Froclimtsuki and newcomer Em68 Koorifuu are co-leaders after five days.

by Nushuzan, 2010/1/15

Hatsu Basho 2010 - Days 3 and 4

In case you were out of the country, asleep or just not paying attention there was a lot big news in world of Sumo. On day three Kaio finally went on to break Chiyonofuji's all time Makunouchi win record of 807 and is now the all time iron man of Sumo. In a way, it is fitting tribute to the last of the four horsemen of the class of 1988 that included Takanohana, Wakanohana and Akebono who all made their debut on the the same tournament. With the Taka-Waka-Ake trio going on to become Yokozuna and having the pressure of competing at the best of ability or face retirement their careers were cut short by injuries and father time. However, Kaio who never attained the rank of Grand Champion was able to have a much longer career and thus more opportunities to pick up wins. Still, Kaio was able to win five upper division yusho, which was in fact equal to Wakanohana's total, but just never able to do it consecutively for a Yokozuna promotion. Sadly, perhaps, Kaio's record breaking victory came at the expense of former Ozeki Chiotaikai who was hoping to regain his form for at least one tournament to pull out 10 wins and return the rank, however, he never had enough gas in the tank and looked weak from shonichi. His loss to Kaio only accentuated his weakness as he was flung to the clay like a sack of potatoes with only his ego damaged. Not waiting to pick up his six loss he decided to call it a career as one of longest reigning Ozeki in sumo history.

In Sumo Game action after four days, Ozeki Doitsuyama, Sekiwake Randomitsuki, EM4 Sokkenaiyama and WM5 Nushuzan are off to a fast start at 4-0 to lead the Makunouchi division. Ozeki Sumio improved to 3-1 for the tournament to keep his Yokozuna hopes alive. In Juryo, EJ3 Zenjimoto and EJ5 Hokuro remain undefeated to lead the divison while Makushita has the usual log jam at the top with nine competitors hoping to extend their winning streaks on day five.

by Nushuzan, 2010/1/14

Hatsu Basho 2010 - Days 1 and 2

Welcome to the first tournament of 2010. It is a new year, a new decade and a chance for a fresh start. The banzuke for the Hatsu Basho, though balanced, is missing a Yokozuna for the second straight tournament. However, Ozeki Sumio, winner of the Kyushu tournament with an outstanding 13-2 record, is in excellent shape to change all of that and only needs a 9-6 mark this time around for a promotion to Sumo Game's most coveted rank of Grand Champion. This tournament we have 168 participating players though both the Makunouchi and Juryo divisions have a higher than average number of kyujo wrestlers. We would like to welcome six new members to the game and wish them well. Scoring for the first two days have been low at 5.90 as both days saw upsets among heavily favored rikishi.

Good luck to all and have a good start to the new year!

by Nushuzan, 2010/1/12