GRAND SUMO: Day 12 of the November 2025 Tournament - GRAND SUMO Highlights

Key Concepts

• Yokozuna: The highest rank in sumo, Grand Champion.
• Ozeki: The second-highest rank in sumo.
• Shinsekiwake: A rank below Ozeki, part of the Sanyaku (top three ranks below Yokozuna).
• Maegashira: The lowest rank in the top Makuuchi division, numbered from 1 (highest) down to 17 (lowest).
• Juryo: The second-highest division in professional sumo.
• Makikoshi: A losing record in a sumo tournament (more losses than wins), typically resulting in demotion.
• Kachikoshi: A winning record in a sumo tournament (more wins than losses), typically resulting in promotion or maintaining rank.
• Basho: A professional sumo tournament.
• Yusho: The championship title for a sumo tournament.
• Kimarite: The winning technique in a sumo bout. Specific techniques mentioned include:
  • Uwatenage: Overarm throw.
  • Sukui-nage: Beltless scoop throw.
  • Hataki-komi: Slap down.
  • Yorikiri: Frontal force out (forcing opponent out of the ring while holding their mawashi).
  • Oshidashi: Frontal push out (pushing opponent out of the ring without holding their mawashi).
  • Tsukiotoshi: Thrust down.
  • Kekaeshi: Minor foot sweep.
  • Abise-taoshi: Backward force down.
  • Kataskashi: Underarm throw (often a counter).
• Tachi-ai: The initial charge or clash at the start of a sumo bout.
• Mawashi: The loincloth or belt worn by sumo wrestlers, often gripped during bouts.
• Gumbai: The war fan carried by the gyoji (referee).
• Mono-ii: A consultation among the shimpan (ringside judges) to review a gyoji's decision.
• Dohyo: The sumo ring.
• Yotsu-zumo: A sumo style focused on grappling and securing belt grips.
• Oshi-zumo: A sumo style focused on pushing and thrusting.

---

Tournament Overview and Leaderboard Status

Day 12 of the Kyushu tournament at the International Center in Fukuoka saw significant developments following yesterday's unexpected loss by Yokozuna Onosato, which "put the cat amongst the pigeons." The leaderboard is now very tight, with the high-rankers dominating the top.

• Co-Leaders (10-2): Yokozuna Onosato, Yokozuna Hoshoryu, and Shinsekiwake Al-Nishki.
• One Win Off the Pace (9-3): Toki Hayate (Maegashira 14).
• Further Back (8-4): Nishki Fuji and Yoshin Fuji, who both suffered losses today, falling off the immediate leading group.

The commentator emphasized that the tournament is "wide open," with everyone wondering who will take the Kyushu Basho.

---

Detailed Bout Summaries

1. May vs. Uden

• Context: May was already Makikoshi (losing record) after returning from a nine-day absence. Uden (4-7) was "geared up, fired up" and aiming to avoid Makikoshi. Their head-to-head was 6-6.
• Action: May sought his preferred left-hand inside grip, while Uden aimed for an outside grip for a throw. Uden bore his head into May's chest, denying May's right hand.
• Outcome: Uden secured his fifth win with a beautiful Uwatenage (twisting overarm throw), avoiding Makikoshi. May suffered another loss.

2. Chio vs. Gornoyama

• Context: Chio (Maegashira 18) was going for Kachikoshi (winning record), while Gornoyama was 6-5. They had met four times, with two wins each.
• Action: Chio preferred a right-hand outside grip. Gornoyama initiated with a big Tachi-ai and thrusting. Chio retreated, then whacked away at Gornoyama, pushing him to the edge.
• Outcome: Chio won with a Uwatenage (overarm throw) after a slight grip on the mawashi. Chio achieved Kachikoshi. Gornoyama's record became 6-6.

3. Satanumi vs. Fujinoa

• Context: They had met once before, with Satanumi winning. Fujinoa was on a four-loss streak.
• Action: Fujinoa quickly blasted into Satanumi, securing an inside grip and driving him to the edge.
• Outcome: Fujinoa won with a Sukui-nage (beltless scoop throw), stopping his losing streak and improving to 7-5. The veteran Satanumi fell to 3-9, achieving Makikoshi.

4. Tommo Kaz vs. Asakoru

• Context: Tommo Kaz was trying to avoid Makikoshi. Asakoru was 6-5. They had met once in the top division, and the Hataki-komi (slap down) technique had been used six times between them in various divisions.
• Action: Tommo Kaz moved to the side at the Tachi-ai, getting in and under.
• Outcome: Tommo Kaz won with a Hataki-komi (slap down), avoiding Makikoshi and picking up his fifth win.

5. Roger vs. Shaoni

• Context: Roger (Maegashira 11) was having a good tournament and going for Kachikoshi. The rivalry slightly favored Roger (2-1). Shaoni was 3-8.
• Action: Shaoni used a soft Tachi-ai, moving back and denying Roger's preferred left-hand outside grip. Roger maintained a strong grip and tried a pull, eventually securing a double grip on the mawashi at the edge.
• Outcome: Roger won with patience and a double grip on the mawashi, achieving Kachikoshi. Shaoni's record became 3-9.

6. Oshoi vs. Midori Fuji

• Context: This was their first meeting in the top division for Oshoi, who had two wins in a row. Midori Fuji had four wins in a row.
• Action: Oshoi delivered a face slap, then blocked Midori Fuji's favorite grip, preventing him from getting in and under. Oshoi moved forward with a solid right-hand outside grip, driving Midori Fuji to the edge.
• Outcome: Oshoi won with a Yorikiri (frontal force out), securing his third consecutive win (4-8) and stopping Midori Fuji's winning streak (6-6). The commentator noted Oshoi's "nice solid sumo" and predicted his return to the top division despite likely returning to Juryo.

7. Nishki Fuji vs. Ichyamamoto

• Context: Nishki Fuji was on the leaderboard with three losses. Ichyamamoto was going for Kachikoshi. They had met eight times, with four wins each, though Nishki Fuji had won the last two.
• Action: Ichyamamoto extended his arms, then got in tight with Nishki Fuji, thrusting him forward. Nishki Fuji swung away and retreated.
• Outcome: Ichyamamoto won with a Tsukiotoshi (thrust down), achieving Kachikoshi. Nishki Fuji's loss (8-4) removed him from the immediate leaderboard contention.

8. Kim Bzan vs. Mitakayumi

• Context: Kim Bzan was trying to avoid Makikoshi. Mitakayumi was 5-6.
• Action: Kim Bzan started with his characteristic two-arm extension, then slapped and moved forward on Mitakayumi.
• Outcome: Kim Bzan won with a Yorikiri (frontal force out), avoiding Makikoshi. Both wrestlers ended the day at 5-7. The commentator highlighted the difficulty of controlling Kim Bzan's long arms.

9. Shishi vs. Chironi

• Context: Shishi was 4-7, Chironi 6-5. Shishi had won three of their four previous encounters.
• Action: Shishi swatted Chironi, moving one way then the other with a "little slapping attack." He secured a grip and drove forward to the edge.
• Outcome: Shishi won with an Oshidashi (frontal push out), avoiding Makikoshi. Chironi's record became 6-6.

10. Abi vs. Tobi Zaru

• Context: Abi was 5-6, Tobi Zaru 4-7. Abi had won 8 of their 14 meetings, but Tobi Zaru won their last encounter.
• Action: Tobi Zaru was taken back at the Tachi-ai but sought an inside position. Abi defended, trying to keep Tobi Zaru away. Tobi Zaru attempted a leg sweep.
• Outcome: Tobi Zaru won with a Kekaeshi (minor foot sweep), avoiding Makikoshi. Both wrestlers ended the day at 5-7.

11. Toki Hayate vs. Atami Fuji

• Context: Toki Hayate (Maegashira 14) was on the leaderboard at 8-3. Atami Fuji (Maegashira 6) was going for Kachikoshi. Atami Fuji had won both their previous meetings.
• Action: Toki Hayate secured a right-hand inside grip (not his favorite), while Atami Fuji got his preferred right-hand in. The bout went to the edge, where Toki Hayate demonstrated "beautiful footwork and throw."
• Outcome: Toki Hayate won his ninth bout, staying on the leaderboard. This was his first career win against Atami Fuji. Atami Fuji suffered Makikoshi.

12. Onukatu vs. Kotu Shoho

• Context: Onukatu was 5-6, Kotu Shoho 6-5. Kotu Shoho had won two of their three previous meetings.
• Action: Kotu Shoho, known as a good pusher/thruster, employed a pushing attack, taking Onukatu back to the edge. He secured an outside grip (right and left hand in).
• Outcome: Kotu Shoho won with a Yorikiri (frontal force out), improving to 7-5. Onukatu dropped to a dangerous 5-7.

13. Shai vs. Datio

• Context: Shai, the local man, was trying to avoid Makikoshi. They had met 33 times, with Shai winning 23.
• Action: Datio sought an inside position. Shai retreated well, trying to escape. Datio rallied back strongly after a slow start, putting Shai in trouble at the edge.
• Outcome: Datio won with an Oshidashi (frontal push out), securing his seventh win (7-5). Shai suffered Makikoshi (4-8).

14. Wakamotaru vs. Kirishima

• Context: Wakamotaru (Maegashira 2) was 6-5. Kirishima (Ozeki) was going for Kachikoshi at 7-4. They had met 17 times, with Wakamotaru winning only six.
• Action: Kirishima, known for his variety of techniques, launched a thrusting attack to Wakamotaru's throat and chin, driving him straight back.
• Outcome: Kirishima won with an Oshidashi (frontal push out), achieving Kachikoshi (8-4). Wakamotaru's record became 6-6.

15. Hoi vs. Haku Oho

• Context: Both wrestlers (Hoi, Maegashira 3; Haku Oho, Maegashira 1) were 3-8, having losing tournaments and fighting for pride. Haku Oho, from Nagasaki, was a local favorite.
• Action: Hoiadoomi quickly got a left-hand inside grip, taking Haku Oho to the edge. Haku Oho rallied back, and they fought back and forth at the edge.
• Outcome: Haku Oho won with a Sukui-nage (beltless arm throw). The Gumbai pointed to Haku Oho, and surprisingly, there was no Mono-ii despite the tight finish. Haku Oho improved to 4-8.

16. Wakataka Kag vs. Ura

• Context: Wakataka Kag was 6-5, Ura 5-6. Wakataka Kag had dominated their head-to-head, winning 10 of 11 previous bouts.
• Action: Wakataka Kag went in low and hard, grabbing Ura's arm and denying him a mawashi grip. Ura attempted a Kataskashi (underarm throw) while retreating.
• Outcome: Wakataka Kag won with an Oshidashi (frontal push out), sending Ura tumbling deep into the crowd. Both wrestlers ended the day at 6-6. The commentator noted Wakataka Kag's wisdom in countering Ura's attempt.

17. Tamawashi vs. Takenosho

• Context: Tamawashi was on the verge of 700 top division wins. Takenosho was in his 1000th career bout and had notably beaten Onosato yesterday. History favored Takenosho 8-3.
• Action: Tamawashi drove forward low.
• Outcome: Tamawashi won with an Oshidashi (frontal push out), achieving his 700th Makuuchi (top division) win. This places him 11th all-time, notably as the only man in the top 11 who has not held the rank of Ozeki or Yokozuna. Takenosho dropped to 5-7.

18. O Shmer vs. Al-Nishki

• Context: O Shmer had caused a major upset yesterday by beating Onosato. Al-Nishki (Shinsekiwake) was a co-leader, having also suffered a surprise loss yesterday. They had met once, with Al-Nishki winning.
• Action: O Shmer, a pusher, tried slapping while going backward. Al-Nishki went deep with his left hand, securing a strong grip on the mawashi. He attempted a leg trip but couldn't finish, maintaining a low stance and strong grip.
• Outcome: Al-Nishki won with an Abise-taoshi (backward force down), securing his 10th win and staying on the leaderboard. O Shmer's record became 3-9. The commentator praised Al-Nishki's balance and ability to keep his head down.

19. Yoshin Fuji vs. Kotto Zakura

• Context: Yoshin Fuji (8-3) had caused a big upset yesterday by beating Onosato and was on the leaderboard. Kotto Zakura (Ozeki), who turned 28 yesterday, was on a four-win streak (6-5).
• Action: Kotto Zakura tried to get inside, thrusting and moving forward. Yoshin Fuji retreated. The Gumbai initially went to Kotto Zakura, but there was a moment of confusion regarding foot placement.
• Outcome: After a replay review (no Mono-ii was called, but the commentator reviewed it), it was confirmed that Kotto Zakura's left foot remained on the dohyo while Yoshin Fuji's hand went down. Kotto Zakura won, improving to 7-5. Yoshin Fuji's loss (8-4) caused him to fall off the leaderboard.

20. Oho vs. Yokozuna Onosato

• Context: Oho was trying to avoid Makikoshi. Yokozuna Onosato (9-2) had declared a "reset" after yesterday's loss and needed to win to stay equal top. Oho had won 3 of their 8 previous meetings, making him a threat.
• Action: Oho slammed in with a right hand to Onosato's throat. Onosato was taken back but showed "much better control today," avoiding slipping and sliding. He worked his left hand under Oho's armpit.
• Outcome: Onosato won with a Yorikiri (frontal force out), securing his 10th win and staying equal top on the leaderboard. Oho suffered Makikoshi (4-8).

21. Hoshoryu vs. Takayasu

• Context: Hoshoryu (Yokozuna, 9-2) needed to win to stay equal top. History did not favor him, as Takayasu had won 10 of their 14 meetings, though Hoshoryu had won the last two.
• Action: Both men engaged in a thrusting attack, with "pounding to the face" from both sides, leading to a "heated" exchange. Hoshoryu secured an inside grip.
• Outcome: Hoshoryu won with a Yorikiri (frontal force out), including an "extra shove" at the edge. He secured his 10th win, staying equal with Onosato and Al-Nishki. Takayasu dropped to 5-7. The commentator noted Takayasu's visible displeasure at the facial contact but acknowledged he was giving as much as he got.

---

Key Arguments and Perspectives

• Tournament Openness: The commentator repeatedly emphasized the "wide open" nature of the tournament, especially after Onosato's upset loss on Day 11, which created a tight race at the top.
• Avoiding Makikoshi: Many wrestlers, particularly in the lower Maegashira ranks, were fighting intensely to avoid a losing record, highlighting the pressure of maintaining rank.
• Strategic Grips: The importance of securing preferred mawashi grips (e.g., May's left hand inside, Shaoni denying Roger's left hand outside) and denying opponents their favored positions was a recurring theme.
• Veteran Resilience vs. Rising Talent: The tournament showcased veterans like Tamawashi achieving milestones and others like Satanumi struggling, while newer talents like Oshoi showed promise despite likely demotion.
• Yokozuna's Response: Onosato's "reset" and improved control after his previous loss demonstrated the mental fortitude expected of a Yokozuna. Hoshoryu also showed determination in a heated bout.

---

Notable Achievements and Milestones

• Tamawashi's 700th Top Division Win: Tamawashi achieved his 700th Makuuchi win, placing him 11th all-time. He is the only wrestler in the top 11 who has not held the rank of Ozeki or Yokozuna, a significant testament to his longevity and skill.
• Ichyamamoto and Chio's Kachikoshi: Both wrestlers secured their winning records for the tournament.
• Roger's Kachikoshi: Roger continued his strong tournament performance by achieving Kachikoshi.

---

Controversial Moments/Disputed Calls

• Hoi vs. Haku Oho: A very tight bout at the edge resulted in Haku Oho winning by Sukui-nage. The commentator expressed surprise that no Mono-ii (referee's conference) was called, suggesting the decision was close enough to warrant discussion.
• Yoshin Fuji vs. Kotto Zakura: There was initial confusion regarding Kotto Zakura's foot placement at the edge, with the commentator reviewing the replay to confirm the correct call, which resulted in Yoshin Fuji's loss.

---

Conclusion: Main Takeaways and Future Outlook

Day 12 of the Kyushu tournament concluded with a thrilling three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard: Yokozuna Onosato, Yokozuna Hoshoryu, and Shinsekiwake Al-Nishki, all holding a 10-2 record. Toki Hayate, a Maegashira 14, remains a dark horse one win behind at 9-3, though his chances for the Yusho are considered less realistic by the commentator.

The day was marked by intense competition, with many wrestlers fighting hard to achieve Kachikoshi or avoid Makikoshi. Key strategies revolved around securing preferred grips and denying opponents, leading to dynamic and often heated bouts. Notable achievements included Tamawashi's 700th top division win, solidifying his place in sumo history. The upsets from Day 11 continued to influence the leaderboard, keeping the championship race wide open and promising more exciting sumo in the remaining days of the tournament.