At the 2/3rds pole of the 2020 Hatsu Basho, and as I promised, it's time for a brief roundup of the top two divisions. We'll start with Juryo.
Terunofuji (J13) 10-0
Daishoho (J5) 8-2
Daiamami (J6) 7-3
Kotoshoho (J8) 7-3
Nishikigi (J4) 6-4
Wakatakakage (J5) 6-4
Akua (J9) 6-4)
Kyokushuho (J9) 6-4
Hoshoryu (J14) 6-4
Hidenoumi (J2) 5-5
Kotonowaka (J2) 5-5
Tobizaru (J6) 5-5
Ichinojo (J7) 5-5
Kyokutaisei (J8) 5-5
Asagyokusei (J12) 5-5
Sakigake (J14) 5-5
Chiyoshoma (J1) 4-6
Daishomaru (J3) 4-6
Mitoryu (J4) 4-6
Takagenji (J10) 4-6
Toyonoshima (J11) 4-6
Churanoumi (J12) 4-6
Chiyootori (J13) 4-6
Sokokurai (J10) 3-7
Yago (J7) 2-8
Kizakiumi (J3) 1-9
Irodori (J11) 1-6-3 (Injured)
Tomokaze (J1) 0-0-10 (Injured)
- This is Terunofuji's Juryo yusho to lose. Two wins clear at the top and no signs of it getting harder. He probably needs 14 wins to jump from J13 back into the Maegashira ranks, perhaps even run the table. In his current form, he can do it.
- We could see more than a few rikishi drop out of juryo. Tomokaze (injury), Irodori, and Yago look like prime candidates to become unsalaried wrestlers. Kizakiumi could also go down, but I think he'll grab a few wins during this week to only drop to lower juryo rank.
I'll give my promotion/relegation predictions between the top two divisions at the end of the tournament, as a lot of things can still happen.
Let's have a look at the Makuuchi standings after 10 days.
- Shodai has been so impressive. He grabbed a huge victory over Takakeisho on day 9 and was a bit excited over it as he went down the tunnel. (See the end of the post for the gif)
- Tokushoryu hasn't really been tested because of his Maegashira 17 rank, but he's making a case to potentially go 14-1 and have a playoff with Shodai. Would be interesting to see a playoff between a pair of Maegashira for the yusho.
- Enho's had some exciting bouts this tournament. Even though he got swatted away against Takakeisho on day 10, he beat a slumping Goeido on day 9.
- Takayasu's chance to return to Ozeki has come and gone. At 4-6, he cannot get the 10 wins needed to make an instant return.
With 5 days left in the basho, there's still everything to play for. We'll be back after day 14, unless the yusho is already spoken for. Join us then.
Hakkeyoi!!!
