TORCHBEARER 2022

[shimodahito]

good day all,
The 2021 prize was sent this morning to our champion ChickyStarr.
It's time for the once-a-year invite to the easiest picking (guessing) sumo game ever. No need for daily picks, no need for pre-basho picks; just a pair of picks will last a whole year!

Here's how it works.
The symbolic TORCH starts with the last rikishi and last rank on the 2022 HATSU BANZUKE (rikishi/rank at the bottom of jonokuchi). If the rikishi wins his bout (called a TORCH MATCH), he keeps the TORCH. If he loses, the TORCH is passed to the winner. Through the year, the TORCH will eventually make way up the banzuke as it is always passed to the winner. The object of the game is to pick the one rank and one rikishi you think will end up with the most points throughout the year's six bashos. Points are awarded to every rikishi and rank involved in a TORCH MATCH; AND to players who finish closest to the FINAL TORCH position at the end of the year.

FINAL TORCH POINTS AT THE END OF THE 2022 KYUSHU BASHO:
25 points if you picked the final TORCH holding rikishi.
25 points if you picked the final TORCH holding rank.
PLUS...
10 points to the player(s) closest to the final TORCH holding rikishi.
10 points to the player(s) closest to the final TORCH holding rank.
9 points to the 2nd closest picks.
8 points to the 3rd closest picks.
7 points to the 4th closest picks.
6 points to the 5th closest picks.
5 points to the 6th closest picks.
4 points to the 7th closest picks.
3 points to the 8th closest picks.
2 points to the 9th closest picks.
1 point to the 10th closest picks.

(so if my math is correct, a minimum of 110 points (55 rank/55 rikishi) are guaranteed to be handed out at the end of the year)

TORCH MATCH POINTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR:
3 points for every TORCH MATCH your chosen rikishi wins.
3 points for every TORCH MATCH your chosen rank wins.
1 point for every TORCH MATCH your chosen rikishi loses.
1 point for every TORCH MATCH match your chosen rank loses.

The player with the most points at the end of the year will get a prize.

For historical reference, here's where the torch ended up in previous years:
2006, J2w
2007, Ms33w (highest position J7w)
2008, J7e (highest position J6w)
2009, J5e (highest position J3e)
2010, Ms58e (highest position J3e)
2011, J6e (highest position J4w)
2012, J2e (highest position J1e)
2013, Ms48e (highest position Ms4e)
2014, Ms49e (highest position Ms3e)
2015, J6w (highest position J1w)
2016, J11e (highest position J6e)
2017, Ms10w (highest position J13w)
2018, Ms8e (highest position J2e)
2019, J7e (highest position J4e)
2020, Ms15w (highest position Ms1w)
2021, J4w (highest position J1e)

Highest number of points: 59 by Profomisakari in 2009.

To play, please submit:
1) the rikishi you think will get the most points between now and the end of the 2022 Kyushu Basho.
and
2) the rank you think will get the most points between now and the end of the 2022 Kyushu Basho.

The deadline for entries is one minute before the first TORCH MATCH starts... JST. Send new entries or updated entries to shimodahito(at)yahoo.com, by message on this forum, or post on this thread. For players who miss the deadline, your 2021 picks will carry over to TORCHBEARER 2022 (as long as your rikishi pick is still active).

A "wildcard" drone pick, by default will be the lowest rikishi and rank on the HATSU BANZUKE and cannot be selected by any other player.

Good luck! The game is painless...one rank pick, one rikishi pick... no daily picks needed…. And a prize.

15+ years and still going!

-shimodahito

[shimodahito]

Good day all,
Thanks to everyone who entered. We are up to 113 players. 38 returnee updates, 66 carry-overs, and a big welcome to 9 new players.

...The rikishi picks for TORCHBEARER 2022: Asanoyama was the favorite ~ picked by eight players.

RIKISHI Picked by:

Abi Ayagawa
Akiseyama Nantonoyama
Akua Munjeezy
Aoifuji wildcard
Aratakayama Konrad/Konizan
Arauma Unkonoyama
Asahabataki Achiyama
Asanoyama Asterix
Asanoyama code_number3
Asanoyama Jejima
Asanoyama Kaito
Asanoyama Kurowashi
Asanoyama Leoben
Asanoyama Oshirokita
Asanoyama Sakura
Asashiyu Haidouzo
Atamifuji rhyen
Atamifuji Terarno
Azumaryu itchyknee
Chiyonoo Cydrome
Chiyonoo Saigo/millwood
Daiamami Aled ap Tomos
Daiamami Ganzohnesushi
Daiamami Jesinofuji
Daishomaru Gurowake
Dewanoryu kuroimori
Enho kedevash
Enho maorencze
Fujiazuma ryafuji
Fujiseiun chishafuwaku
Fujitoshi Takanorappa
Fukamiyama Johnofuji
Hakuyozan Pandaazuma
Hokuseihou Amamaniac
Hokuseihou Leo C
Hokuseihou LLCookKay
Hokutenkai Wakatake
Hokutoryu teo_heel
Inoue Kirinoumi
Inoue Pitinosato
Irodori Domichi
Ito Huschnu
Jokoryu dingo
Kainoshima Yubinhaad
Kairyu Hakuryuho
Kaisei Karasukurai
Kaisho Kitanoedo
Katsunofuji shimodahito
Kinbozan Joaoiyama
Kinbozan Profomisakari
Kinbozan Torideyama/Yoohoo
Kirinofuji Kintaro
Kitaharima Akinomaki
Kitanowaka charliki/Gibuten
Kitanowaka Naganoyama
Kyokuhozan Hitotsubushi
Marusho Getayukata
Midorifuji Toratorii
Mitoryu Athenayama
Mitoryu Godango
Mitoryu Sukubidubidu
Mitoryu Taikoubana
Mitozakura Nekonishiki
Moji Wamahada
Mudoho hakutorizakura
Mudoho Shatsume
Narutaki Jason
Narutaki Shokikogi
Nihonyanagi MumboJumbo
Ohata Tsukiko
Oho Suwihuto
Oki Tsuchinoninjin
Okinofuji Tochyatsu/nelimw
Onosho Hoshihitomi
Oshoma Kintamayama
Oshoma Kotogouryuu
Oshoumi Benihana
Raiho Akōgyokuseki
Raiho ChickyStarr
Raiho Saruyama
Roga Chisaiyama
Roga Itachi
Roga Rocks/Gansekiiwa
Roga Yarimotsu
Ryuden Kofuji-ICAN
Ryuden sagi
Ryuden Umigame
Sadanohikari Screeching Owl
Shimazuumi Ronnie/Gawasukotto
Shishi Houmanumi
Shishi wolfhangho
Shonannoumi Senkoho
Shonannoumi Yukiarashi
Suguro Furanohana
Takakeisho Derek
Takushoryu Shio-kago
Tamashoho Obana
Terunofuji umbriel2
Tohakuryu Hakuhonofan
Tomokaze Chankomafuji
Tomokaze Mmikasazuma
Tsurugisho Shitamachi
Ura Andonishiki
Ura Churaumi
Ura Fujisan
Ura Kaioshoryu
Ura kotoshikona
Ura orandashoho
Ura Tenshinhan
Wakatakakage Uinseann
Yago Daughter of Sukubidubidu
Yoshii Ryoshishokunin
Yoshoyama McBugger


…The rank picks for TORCHBEARER 2022: Juryo 11 East and Juryo 12 West had the most picks.

RANK Picked by:

M16W Kintamayama
J02E Aled ap Tomos
J02W Nekonishiki
J03E chishafuwaku
J03E Fujisan
J03E Hakuhonofan
J03E Suwihuto
J03E Torideyama/Yoohoo
J03W Hitotsubushi
J03W Kotogouryuu
J04E Umigame
J04W Furanohana
J05E Chankomafuji
J05E Jesinofuji
J05E Karasukurai
J05E LLCookKay
J05W rhyen
J06E Gurowake
J06E Itachi
J06E Leoben
J06W Chisaiyama
J06W Domichi
J06W Shitamachi
J06W Yubinhaad
J07E Haidouzo
J07E Jejima
J07E Kurowashi
J07W Cydrome
J07W Takanorappa
J07W Wamahada
J08E Kitanoedo
J08E Naganoyama
J08E Saigo/millwood
J08E Tochyatsu/nelimw
J08W Ganzohnesushi
J08W itchyknee
J09E Fatakiyama
J09E Sukubidubidu
J09W Senkoho
J10E Athenayama
J10E dingo
J10E maorencze
J10E Profomisakari
J10W Amamaniac
J10W Rocks/Gansekiiwa
J10W Shio-kago
J10W Yarimotsu
J11E Asterix
J11E Benihana
J11E Jason
J11E kotoshikona
J11E Munjeezy
J11E orandashoho
J11E Taikoubana
J11W Godango
J11W Oshirokita
J11W Sakura
J11W Unkonoyama
J12E code_number3
J12E Shokikogi
J12W Churaumi
J12W Daughter of Sukubidubidu
J12W Joaoiyama
J12W McBugger
J12W Mmikasazuma
J12W Saruyama
J12W Tsuchinoninjin
J13E Achiyama
J13E Andreas21
J13W kuroimori
J13W umbriel2
J14E charliki/Gibuten
J14E Yukiarashi
J14W Kintaro
Ms01E Kaioshoryu
Ms02W Shatsume
Ms03E Toratorii
Ms03E wolfhangho
Ms03W Ronnie/Gawasukotto
Ms03W Tenshinhan
Ms04E Konrad/Konizan
Ms04E Ryoshishokunin
Ms04W Bugman
Ms04W Hakuryuho
Ms04W ryafuji
Ms04W sagi
Ms06E kedevash
Ms07E Ayagawa
Ms07W Pandaazuma
Ms08E Huschnu
Ms08E Uinseann
Ms09E Getayukata
Ms09W Hoshihitomi
Ms10W Nantonoyama
Ms11W Andonishiki
Ms11W Houmanumi
Ms12E Wakatake
Ms13W Akinomaki
Ms15E Obana
Ms15W Kaito
Ms15W Pitinosato
Ms20E ChickyStarr
Ms20E Leo C
Ms20W Screeching Owl
Ms21E hakutorizakura
Ms21E Tsubame
Ms25E Kirinoumi
Ms26E Tsukiko
Ms28E Derek
Ms28E Terarno
Ms33W MumboJumbo
Ms44W Kofuji-ICAN
Ms53W Johnofuji
Sd18W shimodahito
Sd48E teo_heel
Sd67W Akōgyokuseki
Jk20E wildcard

If there are any corrections/misspellings or I forgot someone, let me know. Good Luck.
Thank you!
-shimodahito

[shimodahito]

From the bottom of the banzuke, the TORCH started here:
Start-of-2022 Rank: JONOKUCHI 20 EAST
Start of 2022 Rikishi: AOIFUJI

DAY 2: Jonokuchi 20 East Aoifuji (0-0) defeats Jonokuchi 18 West Fukuminato (0-0)
DAY 5: Jonokuchi 20 East Aoifuji (1-0) defeats Jonokuchi 18 East Sawaisamu (0-2)
DAY 6: Jonokuchi 20 East Aoifuji (2-0) defeats Jonokuchi 17 East Kinseiryu (1-1)
DAY 8: Jonokuchi 20 East Aoifuji (3-0) defeats Jonokuchi 17 West Chiyotaiko (3-0)
DAY 9: Jonokuchi 20 East Aoifuji (4-0) defeats Jonokuchi 4 West Nishikimaru (4-0)
DAY 11: Jonokuchi 20 East Aoifuji (5-0) passes the TORCH to Jonokuchi 14 West Tanimoto (4-1)
DAY 13: Jonokuchi 14 West Tanimoto (6-1) defeats Jonidan 93 West Kotokiho (6-1)

End-of-Hatsu Rikishi: TANIMOTO
End-of-Hatsu Rank: JONOKUCHI 14 WEST

Start-of-Haru Rikishi: TANIMOTO
Start-of-Haru Rank: JONIDAN 35 EAST

DAY 1: Jonidan 35 East Tanimoto (0-0) defeats Jonidan 36 East Hokutonami (0-0)
DAY 4: Jonidan 35 East Tanimoto (1-0) defeats Jonidan 34 West Fujiyuho (1-0)
DAY 6: Jonidan 35 East Tanimoto (2-0) passes the TORCH to Jonidan 36 West Ogitora (2-0)
DAY 8: Jonidan 36 West Ogitora (3-0) passes the TORCH to Jonidan 43 East Hienriki (3-0)
DAY 9: Jonidan 43 East Hienriki (4-0) passes the TORCH to Jonidan 31 West Miyabishin (4-0)
DAY 11: Jonidan 31 West Miyabishin (5-0) passes the TORCH to Jonidan 58 East Seigo (5-0)
DAY 13: Jonidan 58 East Seigo (6-0) passes the TORCH to Jonidan 13 East Nakashima (6-0)
KETTEI-SEN: Jonidan 13 East Nakashima (7-0) passes the TORCH to Jonidan 62 East Kotetsu (7-0)

End-of-Haru Rikishi: KOTETSU
End-of-Haru: Rank: JONIDAN 62 EAST

[shimodahito]

Start-of-Natsu Rikishi: KOTETSU
Start-of-Natsu Rank: SANDANME 62 WEST

Day 2: Sandanme 62 West Kotetsu (0-0) defeats Sandanme 63 East Kawamura (0-0)
Day 4: Sandanme 62 West Kotetsu (1-0) defeats Sandanme 62 East Soga (1-0)
Day 6: Sandanme 62 West Kotetsu (2-0) passes the TORCH to Sandanme 65 West Hatsuyama (2-0)
Day 7: Sandanme 65 West Hatsuyama (3-0) defeats Sandanme 66 East Sugawara (3-0)
Day 9: Sandanme 65 West Hatsuyama (4-0) defeats Sandanme 74 East Asakiryu (4-0)
Day 11: Sandanme 65 West Hatsuyama (5-0) defeats Sandanme 46 East Okinohama (5-0)
Day 13: Sandanme 65 West Hatsuyama (6-0) passes the TORCH to Sandanme 29 West Kamitani (6-0)

End-of-Natsu Rikishi: KAMITANI
End-of-Natsu-Rank: SANDANME 29 WEST

[shimodahito]

Start-of-Nagoya Rikishi: KAMITANI
Start-of-Nagoya Rank: MAKUSHITA 19 EAST

Day 2: Makushita 19 East Kamitani (0-0) passes the TORCH to Makushita 19 West Kototsubasa (0-0)
Day 4: Makushita 19 West Kototsubasa (1-0) passes the TORCH to Makushita 18 West Ichiki (1-0)

For Day 5, we had a TORCH MATCH!!

RIKISHI
ICHIKI vs CHIYONOO

RANK
MAKUSHITA 18 WEST vs MAKUSHITA 16 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Cydrome’s rikishi pick is CHIYONOO
Saigo’s rikishi pick is CHIYONOO
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

And the result:
Day 5: Makushita 18 West Ichiki (2-0) passes the TORCH to Makushita 16 East Chiyonoo (2-0) [3 points Cydrome & Saigo]

standings:
3 points – Cydrome
3 points – Saigo (millwood)

And Day 7, we had a TORCH MATCH!!

RIKISHI
CHIYONOO vs TOKIHAYATE

RANK
MAKUSHITA 16 EAST vs MAKUSHITA 20 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Cydrome’s rikishi pick is CHIYONOO
Saigo’s rikishi pick is CHIYONOO
ChickStarr’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 20 EAST
Leo C’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 20 EAST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

And the result:
Day 7: Makushita 16 East Chiyonoo (3-0) passes the TORCH to Makushita 20 East Tokihayate (3-0) [3 points ChickyStarr & Leo C; 1 points Cydrome & Saigo]

standings:
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
3 points – ChickyStarr
3 points – Leo C

And Day 9, we had a TORCH MATCH!!

RIKISHI
TOKIHAYATE vs ISHIZAKI

RANK
MAKUSHITA 20 EAST vs MAKUSHITA 26 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
ChickStarr’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 20 EAST
Leo C’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 20 EAST
Tsukiko’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 26 EAST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

And the result:
Day 9: Makushita 20 East Tokihayate (4-0) defeats Makushita 26 East Ishizaki (4-0) [1 point Tsukiko; 3 points ChickyStarr & Leo C]

standings:
6 points – ChickyStarr
6 points – Leo C
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
1 point -- Tsukiko

[shimodahito]

And Day 11, we had a TORCH MATCH!!

RIKISHI
HOKUTENKAI vs KINBOZAN

RANK
MAKUSHITA 20 EAST vs MAKUSHITA 1 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
ChickStarr’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 20 EAST
Leo C’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 20 EAST
Joaoiyama’s rikishi pick is KINBOZAN
Profomisakari’s rikishi pick is KINBOZAN
Torideyama’s rikishi pick is KINBOZAN
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

And the result:
Day 11: Makushita 26 East Tokihayate (5-0) passes the TORCH to Makushita 1 West Kinbozan (5-0)
standings:
7 points – ChickyStarr
7 points – Leo C
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
3 points – Joaoiyama
3 points – Profomisakari
3 points – Torideyama
1 point – Tsukiko


And the Day 13 TORCH MATCH!!

RIKISHI
KINBOZAN vs YOSHII

RANK
MAKUSHITA 1 WEST vs MAKUSHITA 38 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Joaoiyama’s rikishi pick is KINBOZAN
Profomisakari’s rikishi pick is KINBOZAN
Torideyama’s rikishi pick is KINBOZAN
Ryoshishokunin’s rikishi pick is YOSHII
loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
7 points – ChickyStarr
7 points – Leo C
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
3 points – Joaoiyama
3 points – Profomisakari
3 points – Torideyama
1 point – Tsukiko

[shimodahito]

Good day all,
Here’s a quick summary of the Nagoya matches:

Day 2: Makushita 19 East Kamitani (0-0) passes the TORCH to Makushita 19 West Kototsubasa (0-0)
Day 4: Makushita 19 West Kototsubasa (1-0) passes the TORCH to Makushita 18 West Ichiki (1-0)
Day 5: Makushita 18 West Ichiki (2-0) passes the TORCH to Makushita 16 East Chiyonoo (2-0) [3 points Cydrome & Saigo]
Day 7: Makushita 16 East Chiyonoo (3-0) passes the TORCH to Makushita 20 East Tokihayate (3-0) [3 points ChickyStarr & Leo C; 1 points Cydrome & Saigo]
Day 9: Makushita 20 East Tokihayate (4-0) defeats Makushita 26 East Ishizaki (4-0) [3 points ChickyStarr & Leo C; 1 point Tsukiko]
Day 11: Makushita 26 East Tokihayate (5-0) passes the TORCH to Makushita 1 West Kinbozan (5-0) [3 points Joaoiyama & Profomisakari & Torideyama; 1 point ChickyStarr & Leo C]
Day 13: Makushita 1 West Kinbozan (6-0) passes the TORCH to Makushita 38 East Yoshii (6-0) [3 points Ryoshishokunin; 1 point Joaoiyama & Profomisakari & Torideyama]

standings:
7 points – ChickyStarr
7 points – Leo C
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – Joaoiyama
4 points – Profomisakari
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
4 points – Torideyama
3 points – Ryoshishokunin
1 point – Tsukiko

End-of-Nagoya Rikishi: YOSHII
End-of-Nagoya Rank: MAKUSHITA 38 EAST

[shimodahito]

Good day all,
Yoshii’s Nagoya yusho ensured the TORCH will start Aki in the Makushita ranks.

Start-of-Aki Rikishi: YOSHII
Start-of-Aki Rank: MAKUSHITA 3 EAST

Our first TORCH MATCH of the basho is on Day 2 with five players up for points:

RIKISHI
YOSHII vs YAGO

RANK
MAKUSHITA 3 EAST vs MAKUSHITA 2 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
Ryoshishokunin’s rikishi pick is YOSHII
Daughter of Sukubidubidu’s rikishi pick is YAGO
Shatsume’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 2 WEST
Toratorii’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 3 EAST
Wolfhangho’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 3 EAST
loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
7 points – ChickyStarr
7 points – Leo C
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – Joaoiyama
4 points – Profomisakari
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
4 points – Torideyama
3 points – Ryoshishokunin
1 point – Tsukiko

good luck to all!

[shimodahito]

TORCH MATCH on Day 4:

RIKISHI
YAGO vs TOMOKAZE

RANK
MAKUSHITA 2 WEST vs MAKUSHITA 2 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Chankomafuji’s rikishi pick is TOMOKAZE
Mmikasazuma’s rikishi pick is TOMOKAZE
Daughter of Sukubidubidu’s rikishi pick is YAGO
Shatsume’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 2 WEST
loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
7 points – ChickyStarr
7 points – Leo C
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – Joaoiyama
4 points – Profomisakari
4 points – Ryoshishokunin
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
4 points – Torideyama
3 points – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
3 points – Shatsume
1 point – Tsukiko
1 point – Toratorii
1 point -- Wolfgangho

[shimodahito]

An odd (due to historic torikumi circumstances) dance as the TORCH is on its third match with only three players.  Ms3E Yoshii is back in the TORCH MATCH on Day 5:

RIKISHI
TOMOKAZE vs YOSHII

RANK
MAKUSHITA 2 EAST vs MAKUSHITA 3 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Chankomafuji’s rikishi pick is TOMOKAZE
Mmikasazuma’s rikishi pick is TOMOKAZE
Ryoshishokunin’s rikishi pick is YOSHII
Toratorii’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 3 EAST
Wolfgangho’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 3 EAST
loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
7 points – ChickyStarr
7 points – Leo C
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
4 points – Joaoiyama
4 points – Profomisakari
4 points – Ryoshishokunin
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
4 points – Shatsume
4 points – Torideyama
3 points – Chankomafuji
3 points -- Mmikasazuma
1 point – Tsukiko
1 point – Toratorii
1 point -- Wolfgangho

[shimodahito]

If the torikumi would have followed the traditional path, we would see the upper makushita undefeated rikishi (Shonannoumi, Tokihayate, Asanoyama, Dewanoryu, etc.) in the TORCH MATCHes. Instead we are on the one-loss track and have a couple of 2-1ers in the TORCH MATCH on Day 7:

RIKISHI
TOMOKAZE vs FUJISEIUN

RANK
MAKUSHITA 2 EAST vs MAKUSHITA 5 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Chankomafuji’s rikishi pick is TOMOKAZE
Mmikasazuma’s rikishi pick is TOMOKAZE
chishafuwaku’s rikishi pick is FUJISEIUN
loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
7 points – ChickyStarr
7 points – Leo C
6 points – Chankomafuji
6 points -- Mmikasazuma
5 points – Ryoshishokunin
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
4 points – Joaoiyama
4 points – Profomisakari
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
4 points – Shatsume
4 points – Torideyama
2 point – Toratorii
2 point -- Wolfgangho
1 point – Tsukiko

[shimodahito]

No clear leaders -- here we go with the TORCH MATCH on Day 10:

RIKISHI
FUJISEIUN vs TOKIHAYATE

RANK
MAKUSHITA 5 EAST vs MAKUSHITA 7 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
chishafuwaku’s rikishi pick is FUJISEIUN
Pandaazuma’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 7 WEST
loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
7 points – Chankomafuji
7 points – ChickyStarr
7 points – Leo C
7 points -- Mmikasazuma
5 points – Ryoshishokunin
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
4 points – Joaoiyama
4 points – Profomisakari
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
4 points – Shatsume
4 points – Torideyama
3 points – chishafuwaku
2 point – Toratorii
2 point -- Wolfgangho
1 point – Tsukiko

[shimodahito]

TORCH MATCH on Day 12 with only one player up for points:

RIKISHI
TOKIHAYATE vs TOCHIKAMIYAMA

RANK
MAKUSHITA 7 WEST vs MAKUSHITA 14 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
Pandaazuma’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 7 WEST
loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
7 points – Chankomafuji
7 points – ChickyStarr
7 points – Leo C
7 points -- Mmikasazuma
5 points – Ryoshishokunin
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – chishafuwaku
4 points – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
4 points – Joaoiyama
4 points – Profomisakari
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
4 points – Shatsume
4 points – Torideyama
3 points – Pandaazuma
2 point – Toratorii
2 point -- Wolfgangho
1 point – Tsukiko

[shimodahito]

Good day all,
The most selected rikishi pick, Asanoyama (5-1), almost got in the action, but instead, our TORCH MATCH on senshuraku is:

RIKISHI
TOCHIKAMIYAMA vs SHIDEN

RANK
MAKUSHITA 14 WEST vs MAKUSHITA 7 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Ayagawa’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 7 EAST
loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
7 points – Chankomafuji
7 points – ChickyStarr
7 points – Leo C
7 points -- Mmikasazuma
5 points – Ryoshishokunin
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – chishafuwaku
4 points – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
4 points – Joaoiyama
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Profomisakari
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
4 points – Shatsume
4 points – Torideyama
2 point – Toratorii
2 point -- Wolfgangho
1 point – Tsukiko

[shimodahito]

Good day all,
  First, and Aki recap:
Day 2: Makushita 3 East Yoshii (0-0) passes the TORCH to Makushita 2 West Yago (0-0) [3 points Daughter of Sukubidubidu & Shatsume; 1 point Ryoshishokunin & Toratorii & Wolfgangho]
Day 4: Makushita 2 West Yago (1-0) passes the TORCH to Makushita 2 East Tomokaze (0-1) [3 points Chankomafuji & Mmikasazuma; 1 point Daughter of Sukubidubidu & Shatsume]
Day 5: Makushita 2 East Tomokaze (1-1) defeats Makushita 3 East Yoshii (1-1) [3 points Chankomafuji & Mmikasazuma; 1 point Ryoshishokunin & Toratorii & Wolfgangho]
Day 7: Makushita 2 East Tomokaze (2-1) passes the TORCH to Makushita 5 East Fujiseiun (2-1) [3 points chishafuwaku; 1 point Chankomafuji & Mmikasazuma]
Day 10: Makushita 5 East Fujiseiun (3-1) passes the TORCH to Makushita 7 West Tokihayate (3-1) [3 points Pandaazuma; 1 point chishafuwaka]
Day 12: Makushita 7 West Tokihayate (4-1) passes the TORCH to Makushita 14 West Tochikamiyama (4-1) [1 point Pandaazuma]
Day 15: Makushita 14 West Tochikamiyama (5-1) passes the TORCH to Makushita 7 East Shiden (5-1) [3 points Ayagawa]

End-of-Aki Rikishi: SHIDEN
End-of-Aki Rank: MAKUSHITA 7 EAST

standings:
7 points – Chankomafuji
7 points – ChickyStarr
7 points – Leo C
7 points -- Mmikasazuma
5 points – Ryoshishokunin
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – chishafuwaku
4 points – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
4 points – Joaoiyama
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Profomisakari
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
4 points – Shatsume
4 points – Torideyama
3 points – Ayagawa
2 point – Toratorii
2 point – Wolfgangho
1 point – Tsukiko

SHIDEN almost carried the TORCH into Juryo for Kyushu, but the banzuke makers didn't cooperate.

So Kyushu Basho TORCH position:
   Start-of-Kyushu Rikishi: SHIDEN
   Start-of-Kyushu Rank: MAKUSHITA 1 EAST

[shimodahito]

Good day!
Day 1’s TORCH MATCH provides a Makushita vs Juryo matchup.  Will the TORCH get an early bump to Juryo?

RIKISHI
SHIDEN vs GONOYAMA

RANK
MAKUSHITA 1 EAST vs JURYO 14 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
Kintaro’s rank pick is JURYO 14 WEST
Kaioshoryu’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 1 EAST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
7 points – Chankomafuji
7 points – ChickyStarr
7 points – Leo C
7 points -- Mmikasazuma
5 points – Ryoshishokunin
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – chishafuwaku
4 points – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
4 points – Joaoiyama
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Profomisakari
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
4 points – Shatsume
4 points – Torideyama
3 points – Ayagawa
2 point – Toratorii
2 point – Wolfgangho
1 point – Tsukiko

[shimodahito]

Day 3 and the TORCH is still in Makushita and the players who win will be in second place:

RIKISHI
SHIDEN vs TOKIHAYATE

RANK
MAKUSHITA 1 EAST vs MAKUSHITA 3 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Kaioshoryu’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 1 EAST
Toratorii’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 3 EAST
Wolfgangho’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 3 EAST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
7 points – Chankomafuji
7 points – ChickyStarr
7 points – Leo C
7 points -- Mmikasazuma
5 points – Ryoshishokunin
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – chishafuwaku
4 points – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
4 points – Joaoiyama
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Profomisakari
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
4 points – Shatsume
4 points – Torideyama
3 points – Ayagawa
3 points – Kaioshoryu
2 point – Toratorii
2 point – Wolfgangho
1 point – Kintaro
1 point – Tsukiko

[shimodahito]

Day 5 has two new players in the mix:

RIKISHI
SHIDEN vs SHONANNOUMI

RANK
MAKUSHITA 1 EAST vs MAKUSHITA 1 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
Kaioshoryu’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 1 EAST
Senkoho’s rikishi pick is SHONANNOUMI
Yukiarashi’s rank pick is SHONANNOUMI
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
7 points – Chankomafuji
7 points – ChickyStarr
7 points – Leo C
7 points -- Mmikasazuma
6 points – Kaioshoryu
5 points – Ryoshishokunin
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – chishafuwaku
4 points – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
4 points – Joaoiyama
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Profomisakari
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
4 points – Shatsume
4 points – Torideyama
3 points – Ayagawa
3 points – Toratorii
3 points – Wolfgangho
1 point – Kintaro
1 point – Tsukiko

[shimodahito]

We have five co-leaders.  They didn’t want to put the top two ranked undefeated (which includes top rikishi pick Asanoyama) against each other yet, so on the Day 7 TORCH MATCH we have:

RIKISHI
SHONANNOUMI vs CHIYONOUMI

RANK
MAKUSHITA 1 WEST vs MAKUSHITA 11 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Senkoho’s rikishi pick is SHONANNOUMI
Yukiarashi’s rank pick is SHONANNOUMI
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
7 points – Chankomafuji
7 points – ChickyStarr
7 points – Kaioshoryu
7 points – Leo C
7 points -- Mmikasazuma
5 points – Ryoshishokunin
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – chishafuwaku
4 points – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
4 points – Joaoiyama
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Profomisakari
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
4 points – Shatsume
4 points – Torideyama
3 points – Ayagawa
3 points – Senkoho
3 points – Toratorii
3 points – Wolfgangho
3 points – Yukiarashi
1 point – Kintaro
1 point – Tsukiko

[shimodahito]

With the most popular rikishi pick in the mix, the standings will really grow after the Day 9 TORCH MATCH:

RIKISHI
SHONANNOUMI vs ASANOYAMA

RANK
MAKUSHITA 1 WEST vs MAKUSHITA 4 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Senkoho’s rikishi pick is SHONANNOUMI
Yukiarashi’s rikishi pick is SHONANNOUMI
Asterix’s rikishi pick is ASANOYAMA
code_number3’s rikishi pick is ASANOYAMA
Jejima’s rikishi pick is ASANOYAMA
Kaito’s rikishi pick is ASANOYAMA
Kurowashi’s rikishi pick is ASANOYAMA
Leoben’s rikishi pick is ASANOYAMA
Oshirokita’s rikishi pick is ASANOYAMA
Sakura’s rikishi pick is ASANOYAMA
Konizan’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 4 EAST
Ryoshishokunin’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 4 EAST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
7 points – Chankomafuji
7 points – ChickyStarr
7 points – Kaioshoryu
7 points – Leo C
7 points -- Mmikasazuma
6 points – Senkoho
6 points – Yukiarashi
5 points – Ryoshishokunin
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – chishafuwaku
4 points – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
4 points – Joaoiyama
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Profomisakari
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
4 points – Shatsume
4 points – Torideyama
3 points – Ayagawa
3 points – Toratorii
3 points – Wolfgangho
1 point – Kintaro
1 point – Tsukiko

[shimodahito]

We have a sole leader!  Earlier in the year, Ryoshishokunin’s rikishi pick, Yoshii, earned some TORCH points.  Now Ryoshishokunin’s rank pick, Ms4E is did the same.  Going form more in the Day 11 TORCH MATCH:

RIKISHI
ASNOYAMA vs TAMASHOHO

RANK
MAKUSHITA 4 EAST vs MAKUSHITA 23 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Obana’s rikishi pick is TAMASHOHO
Asterix’s rikishi pick is ASANOYAMA
code_number3’s rikishi pick is ASANOYAMA
Jejima’s rikishi pick is ASANOYAMA
Kaito’s rikishi pick is ASANOYAMA
Kurowashi’s rikishi pick is ASANOYAMA
Leoben’s rikishi pick is ASANOYAMA
Oshirokita’s rikishi pick is ASANOYAMA
Sakura’s rikishi pick is ASANOYAMA
Konizan’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 4 EAST
Ryoshishokunin’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 4 EAST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
8 points – Ryoshishokunin
7 points – Chankomafuji
7 points – ChickyStarr
7 points – Kaioshoryu
7 points – Leo C
7 points -- Mmikasazuma
7 points – Senkoho
7 points – Yukiarashi
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – chishafuwaku
4 points – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
4 points – Joaoiyama
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Profomisakari
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
4 points – Shatsume
4 points – Torideyama
3 points – Asterix
3 points – Ayagawa
3 points – code_number3
3 points – Jejima
3 points – Kaito
3 points -- Konrad/Konizan
3 points – Kurowashi
3 points – Leoben
3 points – Oshirokita
3 points – Sakura
3 points – Toratorii
3 points – Wolfgangho
1 point – Kintaro
1 point – Tsukiko

[shimodahito]

Well the Asanoyama pack did not prevail and Obana is the only player in the final TORCH MATCH of the year, making him the only player with a chance to snare the 25 point TORCH BULLSEYE! All the TORCH POINTS will be tallied up over the next couple of days. Here is the FINAL TORCHBEARER 2022 TORCH MATCH:

RIKISHI
TAMASHOHO vs MINEYAIBA

RANK
MAKUSHITA 23 EAST vs MAKUSHITA 41 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
Obana’s rikishi pick is TAMASHOHO
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
9 points – Ryoshishokunin
7 points – Chankomafuji
7 points – ChickyStarr
7 points – Kaioshoryu
7 points – Leo C
7 points -- Mmikasazuma
7 points – Senkoho
7 points – Yukiarashi
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – chishafuwaku
4 points – code_number3
4 points – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
4 points – Joaoiyama
4 points – Jejima
4 points – Kaito
4 points -- Konrad/Konizan
4 points – Kurowashi
4 points – Leoben
4 points – Oshirokita
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Profomisakari
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
4 points – Sakura
4 points – Shatsume
4 points – Torideyama
4 points – Asterix
3 points – Ayagawa
3 points – Obana
3 points – Toratorii
3 points – Wolfgangho
1 point – Kintaro
1 point – Tsukiko

[shimodahito]

good day all,
The 2022 TORCH prize is ready for the winner. The TORCH MATCH point leader is Ryoshishokunin with 9 points. But now it’s time to award the end-of-year FINAL TORCH POINTS. To recap the rules for end-of-year TORCH POINTS, 25 points are awarded if you picked the FINAL TORCH position RANK or RIKISHI. Additional points are awarded to the next 10 closest picks. (10 points to the closest pick, down to 1 point for the 10th closest pick).

We’ll start with the END-OF-YEAR TORCH POINTS for RIKISHI. Obana hits the 25-point bullseye with his TOMASHOHO pick. And then the next ten closest rikishi picks were determined. In all, 12 players earned FINAL TORCH RIKISHI points with Kirinoumi and Pitinosato just one-off from the bullseye.


YOSHII...........(1 point: Ryoshishokunin)
KAMITO............
CHIYONOUMI........
HAMAYUTAKA........
CHIYOARASHI.......
TOCHIKODAI........
KAWAZOE...........
NISHINORYU........
TOCHISEIRYU.......
YAGO.............(2 points: Daughter of Sukubidubidu)
HOKAHO............
TANABE............
RYUO..............
HIKARIFUJI........
OSHORYU...........
HAYATEFUJI........
KANZAKI...........
AKISEYAMA........(4 points: Nantonoyama)
SUZUKI............
CHIYOTORA.........
HOKUTENKAI.......(6 points: Wakatake)
OKI..............(7 points: Tsuchinoninjin)
KITADAICHI........
KOTOYUSHO.........
FUJITOSHI........(9 points: Takanorappa)
NABATAME..........
FINAL TORCH RIKSHI: TOMASHOHO...(25 points: Obana)
INOUE............(10 points: Kirinoumi & Pitinosato)
OTSUJI............
ICHIKI............
KITAHARIMA.......(8 points: Akinomaki)
ASONOYAMA.........
SETONOUMI.........
KAINOSHIMA.......(5 points: Yubinhaad)
ONOJO.............
FUKAI.............
KIRYUKO...........
OYAMATOUMI........
TOKUNOMUSASHI.....
KOTOOZUTSU........
MIYAGI............
NIHONYANAGI......(3 points: MumboJumbo)
ASAGYOKUSEI.......
RYUSEI............
KOTODAIGO.........
TOSAMIDORI........
MUKAINAKANO.......
WAKATAKAMOTO......
NIONOUMI..........
TSURUBAYASHI......
OKINOHAMA.........
AKINOYAMA.........
YUKI..............

[shimodahito]

Next, the END-OF-YEAR TORCH POINTS for RANK. Three players, hakutorizakura & Kirinoumi & Tsubame were just 3 ranks from the unclaimed bullseye. In all, 17 players earned FINAL TORCH RANK points! Kudos to Akinomaki & MumboJumbo & Pitinosato & Wakatake & Obana for scoring both RIKISHI and RANK points. And special kudo mention to Kirinoumi who was the 10-point closest in both RIKISHI and RANK; proof that this truly is a skill game. .

MAKUSHITA 11 WEST...(1 points: Andonishiki & Houmanumi)
MAKUSHITA 12 EAST...(2 points: Wakatake)
MAKUSHITA 12 WEST...
MAKUSHITA 13 EAST...
MAKUSHITA 13 WEST...(4 points: Akinomaki)
MAKUSHITA 14 EAST...
MAKUSHITA 14 WEST...
MAKUSHITA 15 EAST...(5 points: Obana)
MAKUSHITA 15 WEST...(6 points: Kaito & Pitinosato)
MAKUSHITA 16 EAST...
MAKUSHITA 16 WEST...
MAKUSHITA 17 EAST...
MAKUSHITA 17 WEST...
MAKUSHITA 18 EAST...
MAKUSHITA 18 WEST...
MAKUSHITA 19 EAST...
MAKUSHITA 19 WEST...
MAKUSHITA 20 EAST...(8 points: ChickyStarr & Leo C)
MAKUSHITA 20 WEST...(9 points: Screeching Owl)
MAKUSHITA 21 EAST...(10 points: hakutorizakura & Tsubame)
MAKUSHITA 21 WEST...
MAKUSHITA 22 EAST...
MAKUSHITA 22 WEST...
FINAL TORCH RANK: MAKUSHITA 23 EAST...none
MAKUSHITA 23 WEST...
MAKUSHITA 24 EAST...
MAKUSHITA 24 WEST...
MAKUSHITA 25 EAST...(10 points: Kirinoumi)
MAKUSHITA 25 WEST...
MAKUSHITA 26 EAST...(8 points: Tsukiko)
MAKUSHITA 26 WEST...
MAKUSHITA 27 EAST...
MAKUSHITA 27 WEST...
MAKUSHITA 28 EAST...(7 points: derek & Terarno)
MAKUSHITA 28 WEST...
MAKUSHITA 29 EAST...
MAKUSHITA 29 WEST...
MAKUSHITA 30 EAST...
MAKUSHITA 30 WEST...
MAKUSHITA 31 EAST...
MAKUSHITA 31 WEST...
MAKUSHITA 32 EAST...
MAKUSHITA 32 WEST...
MAKUSHITA 33 EAST...
MAKUSHITA 33 WEST....(3 points: MumboJumbo)
MAKUSHITA 34 EAST...
MAKUSHITA 34 WEST...

[shimodahito]

With all the points added, our final standings put 45 players on the board:

standings:
36 points – Obana
20 points – Kirinoumi
16 points – Pitinosato
15 points – ChickyStarr
15 points – Leo C
12 points – Akinomaki
10 points – hakutorizakura
10 points – Kaito
10 points – Ryoshishokunin
10 points – Tsubame
9 points – Screeching Owl
9 points – Takanorappa
9 points – Tsukiko
8 points – Wakatake
7 points – Chankomafuji
7 points – derek
7 points – Kaioshoryu
7 points – Mmikasazuma
7 points – Senkoho
7 points – Terarno
7 points – Tsuchinoninjin
7 points – Yukiarashi
6 points – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
6 points – MumboJumbo
5 points – Yubinhaad
4 points – Cydrome
4 points – chishafuwaku
4 points – code_number3
4 points – Joaoiyama
4 points – Jejima
4 points – Konrad/Konizan
4 points – Kurowashi
4 points – Leoben
4 points – Nantonoyama
4 points – Oshirokita
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Profomisakari
4 points – Saigo (millwood)
4 points – Sakura
4 points – Shatsume
4 points – Torideyama
4 points – Asterix
3 points – Ayagawa
3 points – Toratorii
3 points – Wolfgangho
1 point – Andonishiki
1 point – Houmanumi
1 point – Kintaro


Congratulations to Obana, the TORCHBEARER 2022 winner. I’ll be corresponding to send the prize.
For those keeping tabs on how often the 25-point TORCH bullseye is achieved:
2011 – 3
2012 – 1
2015 – 3
2016 – 3
2017 – 2
2018 – 2
2019 – 1
2021 – 1
2022 – 1
Thanks for participating and I hope you all can update your pick or, if a new player, submit a pick for next year. You can send your TORCHBEARER 2023 picks to me now, or wait until the Hatsu banzuke is released. An invite (with rules for new players) will be out soon. Pick one rank and one rikishi where you think the TORCH will be at the end of the year. This sumo game has a prize. New players are always welcome.
Again, thanks.
-shimodahito