TORCHBEARER 2021

[shimodahito]

good day all,
The 2020 prize was sent last week to our champion Kaito.
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 2021 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 2021 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For historical reference, here's where the torch ended up in previous years: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)

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 2021 Kyushu Basho.
and
2) the rank you think will get the most points between now and the end of the 2021 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 the forum, or post on this sonstige Spiele thread. For players who miss the deadline, your 2020 picks will carry over to TORCHBEARER 2021 (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 107 players. 38 returnee updates, 61 carry-overs, and a big welcome to 8 new players.

...The rikishi picks for TORCHBEARER 2021: For the third straight year, Ura had the most picks.

Abi (Ayagawa & rhyen)
Akiseyama (Nantonoyama)
Akua (Munjeezy)
Arauma (Oshirokita & Terarno & Wamahada)
Asahisho (Fatakiyama)
Azumaryu (itchyknee)
Chiyonoo (Cydrome)
Daiamami (Aled-ap-Tomos & Ganzohnesushi & Jesinofuji)
Daishoho (Wakatake)
Daishomaru (Gurowake)
Daitenma (Itachi)
Dewanoryu (kuroimori)
Enho (kedevash & Takanorappa)
Fujiazuma (ryafuji)
Fukai (chishafuwaku)
Fukamiyama (Johnofuji)
Hakuyozan (Pandaazuma)
Hidenoumi (Kaito)
Hokuseihou (Amamaniac & Kintamayama)
Hokutohomare (Pitinosato)
Hokutoryu (teo_heel)
Honma (wildcard)
Hoshoryu (Akōgyokuseki)
Irodori (Domichi)
Ishii (Toratorii)
Ito (Huschnu)
Jokoryu (dingo & Jejima)
Kainoshima (Yubinaad)
Kairyu (Hakuryuho)
Kaisho (Kitanoedo & Shatsume)
Katsunofuji (shimodahito)
Kirinofuji (Kintaro)
Kirinoryu (Andreas21)
Kitaharima (Akinomaki)
Kitanowaka (charliki/Gibuten & Hakuhonofan & Naganoyama)
Marusho (Getayukata)
Mitoryu (Sukubidubidu)
Mitozakura (Nekonishiki)
Mudoho (Asterix & hakutorizakura)
Murata (Haidouzo)
Nakashima (Karasukurai)
Nakazono (ronnie/Gawasukotto)
Narutaki (Jason & Shokikogi)
Nihonyanagi (MumboJumbo)
Obayama (Tsukiko)
Ofukasawa (Benihana)
Oho (former Naya) (Suwihuto)
Oisato (Tsubame)
Oki (Tsuchinoninjin)
Okinofuji (nelimw(Tochiyatsu))
Onosho (Hoshihitomi)
Oshoryu (Achiyama & Furanohana)
Osuzuki (Saruyama & Unkonoyama & Yoohoo(Torideyama))
Roga (Chisaiyama & Joaoiyma)
Ryuden (Kofuji-ICAN & Umigame)
Ryuko (Taikoubana)
Sadanohikari (Screeching Owl)
Sagatsukasa (Bugman)
Shishi (Houmanumi & wolfgangho)
Shonanzakura (former Hattorizakura) (Mutsu’ohideki)
Shonannoumi (Senkoho & Yukiarashi)
Taiyo (Profomisakari)
Takakeisho (Derek)
Takakento (Sagi)
Tamashoho (Obana)
Terasawa (Sakura)
Terunofuji (umbriel2)
Tochiseiryu (hitotsubushi)
Tohakuryu (former Shiraishi) (Rocks/Gansekiiwa)
Tokushoryu (Shio-kago)
Tomokaze (Athenayama & Chankomafuji & code_number3 & Mmikasazuma)
Tsurugisho (Shitamachi)
Ura (Andonishiki & ChickyStarr & Churaumi & Fujisan & Kaioshoryu & kotoshikona & orandashoho & Tenshinhan)
Wakahiroto (Konrad/Konizan)
Wakatakakage (Uinseann)
Yago (Daughter of Sukubidubidu)
Yoshii (Ryoshishokunin)
Yoshoyama (McBugger)

…The rank picks for TORCHBEARER 2021: And again, Juryo 11 East had the most picks. However, I did see a few more folks leaning towards Makushita ranks so perhaps some are thinking of another 5-basho year.

Y1E (Mutsu’ohideki)
J2W (Aled ap Tomos & Nekonishiki)
J3E (Fujisan & Suwihuto)
J4E (Umigame)
J4W (ChickyStarr)
J5E (Chankomafuji & Jesinofuji )
J6E (Gurowake)
J6W (Chisaiyama & Domichi & Shitamachi & Yubinhaad)
J7E (Haidouzo & Kaito)
J7W (Cydrome & Joaoiyama & Kintamayama)
J8E (Akōgyokuseki & Kitanoedo & Naganoyama & nelimw(Tochyatsu) & Takanorappa)
J8W (itchyknee)
J9E (Fatakiyama & Sukubidubidu)
J9W (rhyen & Senkoho & Taikoubana)
J10E (dingo & Furanohana)
J10W (Amamaniac & hitotsubushi & Shio-kago)
J11E (Benihana & Ganzohnesushi & Hakuhonofan & Jason & kotoshikona & orandashoho & Munjeezy)
J11W (Unkonoyama & Yoohoo(Torideyama))
J12E (code_number3 & Jejima & Shokikogi)
J12W (Churaumi & Daughter of Sukubidubidu & McBugger & Mmikasazuma & Rocks/Gansekiiwa & Tsuchinoninjin)
J13E (Achiyama & Andreas21 & chishafuwaku)
J13W (kuroimori & umbriel2)
J14E (charliki/Gibuten & Shatsume & Yukiarashi)
J14W (Kintaro)
Ms1E (Kaioshoryu)
Ms1W (sagi)
Ms2E (Profomisakari)
Ms2W (Wamahada)
Ms3E (Sakura & wolfhangho)
Ms3W (Ronnie/Gawasukotto & Tenshinhan)
Ms4E (Konrad/Konizan & Ryoshishokunin)
Ms4W (Bugman & Hakuryuho & ryafuji & Toratorii)
Ms5W (Asterix & Karasukurai)
Ms6E (Athenayama & kedevash)
Ms7E (Ayagawa & Wakatake)
Ms7W (Pandaazuma & Pitinosato)
Ms8E (Huschnu & Itachi & Oshirokita & Uinseann)
Ms9E (Getayukata & Saruyama)
Ms9W (Hoshihitomi)
Ms10W (Nantonoyama)
Ms11W (Andonishiki & Houmanumi)
Ms13W (Akinomaki)
Ms15E (Obana)
Ms17E (Terarno)
Ms20W (Screeching Owl)
Ms21E (hakutorizakura & Tsubame)
Ms26E (Tsukiko)
Ms28E (Derek)
Ms33W (MumboJumbo)
Ms44W (Kofuji-ICAN)
Ms53W (Johnofuji)
Sd15W (shimodahito)
Sd48E (teo_heel)
Jk29E (wildcard)

If there are any corrections/misspellings or I forgot someone, let me know. Good Luck.


Thank you!
-shimodahito

[shimodahito]

Happy 2021 all,
From the near-bottom of the banzuke, the TORCH started here:

Start-of-2021 Rank: JONOKUCHI 29 EAST
Start of 2021 Rikishi: HONMA

DAY 1: Jonokuchi 29 East Honma (0-0) defeats Jonokuchi 28 West Minorufuji (0-0)
DAY 4: Jonokuchi 29 East Honma (1-0) passes the torch to Jonokuchi 25 East Atamifuji (0-1)
DAY 5: Jonokuchi 25 East Atamifuji (1-1) defeats Jonokuchi 22 East Wakaonehara (1-1)
DAY 8: Jonokuchi 25 East Atamifuji (2-1) defeats Jonokuchi 20 East Shiraishizakura (2-1)
DAY 9: Jonokuchi 25 East Atamifuji (3-1) defeats Jonokuchi 27 West Fujinonami (3-1)
DAY 11: Jonokuchi 25 East Atamifuji (4-1) defeats Jonokuchi 26 East Kyoda (5-1)
DAY 13: Jonokuchi 25 East Atamifuji (5-1) defeats Jonokuchi 17 East Ryuseiyama (5-1)
TOMOE-SEN: Jonokuchi 25 East Atamifuji (6-1) defeats Jonokuchi 25 West Arauma (6-1) [1 point Oshirokita & Terarno & Wamahada]
TOMOE-SEN: Jonokuchi 25 East Atamifuji (7-1) defeats Jonokuchi 2 West Toshonishiki (6-2)

End-of-Hatsu Rikishi: ATATMIFUJI
End-of-Hatsu: Rank: JONOKUCHI 25 EAST

We had a bit of an odd start when 1-0 Honma did not face another 1-0 rikishi for his second bout of the basho.  Instead, they matched him against a rikishi who lost on day 1, but ends up winning the yusho!
And three players picked up a point in the playoff matches.

Standings:
1 point – Oshirokita
1 point – Terarno
1 point – Wamahada

[shimodahito]

Good day all,
Getting caught up --

Start-of-Haru Rikishi: ATAMIFUJI
Start-of-Haru Rank: JONIDAN 48 WEST

The Haru Day 2 TORCH MATCH was a rematch of the Hatsu Tomoe-sen playoff match:

RIKISHI
ATAMIFUJI vs ARAUMA

RANK
JONIDAN 48 WEST vs JONIDAN 49 WEST

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

And just as in the Hatsu match, Atamifuji won.  The next matches were:

DAY 3: Jonidan 48 West Atamifuji (1-0) defeated Jonidan 49 West Reonmaru (1-0)
DAY 6: Jonidan 48 West Atamifuji (2-0) defeated Jonidan 51 East Chiyotaiko (2-0)

And so here we are with a Nakabi TORCH MATCH that involves four players:

RIKISHI
ATAMIFUJI vs TOMOKAZE

RANK
JONIDAN 48 WEST vs JONIDAN 55 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
Athenayama’s rikishi pick is TOMOKAZE
Chankomafuji’s rikishi pick is TOMOKAZE
code_number3’s rikishi pick is TOMOKAZE
Mmikasazuma’s rikishi pick is TOMOKAZE
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings: 
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Terarno
2 points – Wamahada

[shimodahito]

Good day all,
It's been quite some time since we had a TORCHBEARER go 7-0 and make a basho clean sheet. No one picked this Atamifuji kid from Atami City in Shizuoka Prefecture. There were only two matches involving seven TORCH players. Here's the recap.

Start-of-Haru Rikishi: ATAMIFUJI
Start-of-Haru Rank: JONIDAN 48 WEST

DAY 2: Jonidan 48 West Atamifuji (0-0) defeats Jonidan 49 East Arauma (0-0) [1 point Oshirokita & Terarno & Wamahada]
DAY 3: Jonidan 48 West Atamifuji (1-0) defeats Jonidan 49 West Reonmaru (1-0)
DAY 6: Jonidan 48 West Atamifuji (2-0) defeats Jonidan 51 East Chiyotaiko (2-0)
DAY 8: Jonidan 48 West Atamifuji (3-0) defeats Jonidan 55 West Tomokaze (3-0) [1 point Athenayama & Chankomafuji & code_number3 & Mmikasazuma]
DAY 9: Jonidan 48 West Atamifuji (4-0) defeats Jonidan 23 West Kiritsubasa (4-0)
DAY 11: Jonidan 48 West Atamifuji (5-0) defeats Jonidan 22 West Ryuki (5-0)
DAY 13: Jonidan 48 West Atamifuji (6-0) defeats Jonidan 79 West Chiyoyamato (6-0)

End-of-Haru Rikishi: ATAMIFUJI
End-of-Haru: Rank: JONIDAN 48 WEST

standings:
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Terarno
2 points – Wamahada
1 point – Athenayama
1 point – Chankomafuji
1 point – code_number3
1 point – Mmikasazuma

Last year Natsu was cancelled. This year, so far, so good. The banzuke is posted so for the TORCH:

Start-of-Natsu Rikishi: ATAMIFUJI
Start-of-Natsu Rank: SANDANME 48 EAST

Good luck to all!

[shimodahito]

Good day all,
Atamifuji had a good run, but passed the TORCH to a new rikish/rank on Day 13. Then in the kettie-sen match, the TORCH ended up in the hands of a TD Sd 100 rikishi!!! Here's how the path of the TORCH progressed during Natsu:

Day 2: Sandanme 48 East Atamifuji (0-0) defeats Sandanme 48 West Ebisumaru (0-0)
Day 4: Sandanme 48 East Atamifuji (1-0) defeats Sandanme 47 East Shogun (1-0)
Day 6: Sandanme 48 East Atamifuji (2-0) defeats Sandanme 45 West Azumasato (2-0)
Day 8: Sandanme 48 East Atamifuji (3-0) defeats Sandanme 44 East Toma (3-0)
Day 9: Sandanme 48 East Atamifuji (4-0) defeats Sandanme 50 East Kotoryusei (4-0)
Day 11: Sandanme 48 East Atamifuji (5-0) defeats Sandanme 82 East Asashinjo (5-0)
Day 13: Sandanme 48 East Atamifuji (6-0) passes the TORCH to Sandanme 35 West Kotodaigo (6-0)
KETTEI-SEN: Sandanme 35 West Kotodaigo (7-0) passes the TORCH to Sandanme 100 Tsukedashi Ishizaki (7-0)

End-of-Natsu Rikishi: ISHIZAKI
End-of-Natsu-Rank: SANDANME 100 TSUKEDASHI

standings:
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Terarno
2 points – Wamahada
1 point – Athenayama
1 point – Chankomafuji
1 point – code_number3
1 point – Mmikasazuma

[shimodahito]

And so brings us to Nagoya's banzuke release.

Start-of-Nagoya Rikishi: ISHIZAKI
Start-of-Nagoya Rank: MAKUSHITA 56 WEST

And path of the TORCH:
Day 2: Makushita 56 West Ishizaki (0-0) defeats Makushita 57 East Sakurai (0-0)
Day 4: Makushita 56 West Ishizaki (1-0) defeats Makushita 54 West Shimoyama (1-0)
Day 6: Makushita 56 West Ishizaki (2-0) defeats Makushita 59 East Genki (2-0)
Day 8: Makushita 56 West Ishizaki (3-0) defeats Makushita 55 West Atamifuji (3-0)
Day 9: Makushita 56 West Ishizaki (4-0) defeats Sandanme 1 West Onojo (4-0)
Day 11: Makushita 56 West Ishizaki (5-0) defeats Makushita 47 West Mineyaiba (5-0)

On Day 13, we had a TORCH MATCH!!

RIKISHI
ISHIZAKI vs HOKUSEIHO

RANK
MAKUSHITA 56 WEST vs MAKUSHITA 2 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
Amamaniac’s rikishi pick is HOKUSEIHO
Kintamayama’s rikishi pick is HOKUSEIHO
Wamahada’s rank pick is MAKUSHITA 2 WEST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

And the result:
Day 13: Makushita 56 West Ishizaki (6-0) passes the TORCH Makushita 2 West Hokuseiho (6-0) [3 points Amamaniac & Kintamayama & Wamahada]

standings:
5 points – Wamahada
3 points – Amamaniac
3 points – Kintamayama
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Terarno
1 point – Athenayama
1 point – Chankomafuji
1 point – code_number3
1 point – Mmikasazuma

Impressive that Wamahada has picked up points with his rank and rikishi picks!

End-of-Nagoya Rikishi: HOKUSEIHO
End-of-Nagoya Rank: MAKUSHITA 2 WEST

Aki will certainly put the TORCH in the Juryo ranks.

[shimodahito]

Good day all,
Aki recap: Juryo 12 West Hokuseiho & the TORCH were under quarantine.

So the TORCH for Kyushu Basho:
   Start-of-Kyushu Rikishi: HOKUSEIHO
   Start-of-Kyushu Rank: JURYO 12 WEST

Day 1’s TORCH MATCH features THREE rikishi pickers and NINE rank pickers!!!  Gansekiiwa will be a guaranteed 4 pointer today with opposing rank/rikishi picks.  Me thinks this is going to be a high point final basho of TORCHBEARER 2021; and with no clear leader, anyone in the Juryo-range has a chance to take home the prize.

RIKISHI
HOKUSEIHO vs TOHAKURYU

RANK
JURYO 12 WEST vs JURYO 12 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Amamaniac’s rikishi pick is HOKUSEIHO
Kintamayama’s rikishi pick is HOKUSEIHO
Rocks/Gansekiiwa’s rikishi pick is TOHAKURYU
code_number3’s rank pick is JURYO 12 EAST
Jejima’s rank pick is JURYO 12 EAST
Shokikogi’s rank pick is JURYO 12 EAST
Churaumi’s rank pick is JURYO 12 WEST
Daughter of Sukubidubidu’s rank pick is JURYO 12 WEST
McBugger’s rank pick is JURYO 12 WEST
Mmikasazuma’s rank pick is JURYO 12 WEST
Rocks/Gansekiiwa's rank pick is JURYO 12 WEST
Tsuchinoninjin’s rank pick is JURYO 12 WEST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
5 points – Wamahada
3 points – Amamaniac
3 points – Kintamayama
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Terarno
1 point – Athenayama
1 point – Chankomafuji
1 point – code_number3
1 point – Mmikasazuma

[shimodahito]

Day 2 and a new TORCH holder and 7 players up for points:

RIKISHI
TOHAKURYU vs HAKUYOZAN

RANK
JURYO 12 EAST vs JURYO 11 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
Rocks/Gansekiiwa’s rikishi pick is TOHAKURYU
​​​​​​​Pandaazuma’s rikishi pick is HAKUYOZAN
code_number3’s rank pick is JURYO 12 EAST
Jejima’s rank pick is JURYO 12 EAST
Shokikogi’s rank pick is JURYO 12 EAST
Unkonoyama’s rank pick is JURYO 11 WEST
Yoohoo’s rank pick is JURYO 11 WEST

a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
5 points – Wamahada
4 points – Amamaniac
4 points – code_number3
4 points – Kintamayama
4 points – Rocks/Gansekiiwa
3 points – Jejima
3 points – Shokikogi
2 points – Mmikasazuma
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Terarno
1 point – Athenayama
1 point – Chankomafuji
1 point – Churaumi
1 point – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point – McBugger
1 point -- Tsuchinoninjin

[shimodahito]

code_number3 & Rocks now share the lead with Wamahada, but none have a pick in the Day 3 TORCH MATCH:

RIKISHI
HAKUYOZAN vs AZUMARYU

RANK
JURYO 11 WEST vs JURYO 10 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
Pandaazuma’s rikishi pick is HAKUYOZAN
itchyknee’s rikishi pick is AZUMARYU
Unkonoyama’s rank pick is JURYO 11 WEST
Yoohoo/Torideyama’s rank pick is JURYO 11 WEST
Amamaniac’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
Hitotsubushi’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
Shio-kago’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
5 points – code_number3
5 points – Rocks/Gansekiiwa
5 points – Wamahada
4 points – Amamaniac
4 points – Jejima
4 points – Kintamayama
4 points – Shokikogi
3 points – Pandaazuma
3 points – Unkonoyama
3 points – Torideyama/Yoohoo
2 points – Mmikasazuma
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Terarno
1 point – Athenayama
1 point – Chankomafuji
1 point – Churaumi
1 point – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point – McBugger
1 point -- Tsuchinoninjin

[shimodahito]

The TORCH seems to be a hot potato so far.  Amamaniac takes the lead, and is part of the Day 4 TORCH MATCH:

RIKISHI
AZUMARYU vs KYOKUTAISEI

RANK
JURYO 10 WEST vs JURYO 9 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
itchyknee’s rikishi pick is AZUMARYU
Amamaniac’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
Hitotsubushi’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
Shio-kago’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
rhyen’s rank pick is JURYO 9 WEST
Senkoho’s rank pick is JURYO 9 WEST
Taikoubana’s rank pick is JURYO 9 WEST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
7 points – Amamaniac
5 points – code_number3
5 points – Rocks/Gansekiiwa
5 points – Wamahada
4 points – Jejima
4 points – Kintamayama
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Shokikogi
4 points – Unkonoyama
4 points – Torideyama/Yoohoo
3 points – Hitotsubushi
3 points – itchyknee
3 points – Shio-kago
2 points – Mmikasazuma
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Terarno
1 point – Athenayama
1 point – Chankomafuji
1 point – Churaumi
1 point – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point – McBugger
1 point -- Tsuchinoninjin

[shimodahito]

We have a rare event as Sukubidubidu has his rank AND rikishi pick in the Day 5 TORCH MATCH:

RIKISHI
AZUMARYU vs MITORYU

RANK
JURYO 10 WEST vs JURYO 9 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
itchyknee’s rikishi pick is AZUMARYU
Sukubidubidu’s rikishi pick is MITORYU
Amamaniac’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
Hitotsubushi’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
Shio-kago’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
Fatakiyama’s rank pick is JURYO 9 EAST
Sukubidubidu’s rank pick is JURYO 9 EAST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
10 points – Amamaniac
6 points – Hitotsubushi
6 points – itchyknee
6 points – Shio-kago
5 points – code_number3
5 points – Rocks/Gansekiiwa
5 points – Wamahada
4 points – Jejima
4 points – Kintamayama
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Shokikogi
4 points – Unkonoyama
4 points – Torideyama/Yoohoo
2 points – Mmikasazuma
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Terarno
1 point – Athenayama
1 point – Chankomafuji
1 point – Churaumi
1 point – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point – McBugger
1 point – rhyen
1 point – Senkoho
1 point – Tailubana
1 point -- Tsuchinoninjin

[shimodahito]

Four more new players will challenge leader Amamaniac and the three chasers in the Day 6 TORCH MATCH:

RIKISHI
AZUMARYU vs ASANOWAKA (formerly TERASAWA)

RANK
JURYO 10 WEST vs JURYO 13 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
itchyknee’s rikishi pick is AZUMARYU
Sakura’s rikishi pick is ASANOWAKA
Amamaniac’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
Hitotsubushi’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
Shio-kago’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
Achiyama’s rank pick is JURYO 13 EAST
Andreas21’s rank pick is JURYO 13 EAST
chishafuwaku’s rank pick is JURYO 13 EAST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
13 points – Amamaniac
9 points – Hitotsubushi
9 points – itchyknee
9 points – Shio-kago
5 points – code_number3
5 points – Rocks/Gansekiiwa
5 points – Wamahada
4 points – Jejima
4 points – Kintamayama
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Shokikogi
4 points – Unkonoyama
4 points – Torideyama/Yoohoo
2 points – Mmikasazuma
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Sukubidubidu
2 points – Terarno
1 point – Athenayama
1 point – Chankomafuji
1 point – Churaumi
1 point – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point – Fatakiyama
1 point – McBugger
1 point – rhyen
1 point – Senkoho
1 point – Tailubana
1 point -- Tsuchinoninjin

[shimodahito]

Sorry I was out a day.  Here was the Day 7 TORCH MATCH:

RIKISHI
AZUMARYU vs HIRADOUMI

RANK
JURYO 10 WEST vs JURYO 13 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
itchyknee’s rikishi pick is AZUMARYU
Amamaniac’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
Hitotsubushi’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
Shio-kago’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
kuroimori’s rank pick is JURYO 13 WEST
umbriel2’s rank pick is JURYO 13 WEST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
16 points – Amamaniac
12 points – Hitotsubushi
12 points – itchyknee
12 points – Shio-kago
5 points – code_number3
5 points – Rocks/Gansekiiwa
5 points – Wamahada
4 points – Jejima
4 points – Kintamayama
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Shokikogi
4 points – Unkonoyama
4 points – Torideyama/Yoohoo
2 points – Mmikasazuma
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Sukubidubidu
2 points – Terarno
1 point – Achiyama
1 point – Andreas21
1 point – Athenayama
1 point – Chankomafuji
1 point – chishafuwaku
1 point – Churaumi
1 point – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point – Fatakiyama
1 point – McBugger
1 point – rhyen
1 point – Sakura
1 point – Senkoho
1 point – Tailubana
1 point -- Tsuchinoninjin

[shimodahito]

Sorry I was out another day. Here was the Day 8 TORCH MATCH as the leading quartet continued their roll:

RIKISHI
AZUMARYU vs KOTOSHOHO

RANK
JURYO 10 WEST vs JURYO 6 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
itchyknee’s rikishi pick is AZUMARYU
Amamaniac’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
Hitotsubushi’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
Shio-kago’s rank pick is JURYO 10 WEST
Gurowake’s rank pick is JURYO 6 EAST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
19 points – Amamaniac
15 points – Hitotsubushi
15 points – itchyknee
15 points – Shio-kago
5 points – code_number3
5 points – Rocks/Gansekiiwa
5 points – Wamahada
4 points – Jejima
4 points – Kintamayama
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Shokikogi
4 points – Unkonoyama
4 points – Torideyama/Yoohoo
2 points – Mmikasazuma
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Sukubidubidu
2 points – Terarno
1 point – Achiyama
1 point – Andreas21
1 point – Athenayama
1 point – Chankomafuji
1 point – chishafuwaku
1 point – Churaumi
1 point – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point – Fatakiyama
1 point – kuroimori
1 point – McBugger
1 point – rhyen
1 point – Sakura
1 point – Senkoho
1 point – Tailubana
1 point – Tsuchinoninjin
1 point – umbriel2

[shimodahito]

After four days, the TORCH has passed. I can’t remember if a TORCH MATCH has ever involved the top Juryo rank! Here is the 9 TORCH MATCH:

RIKISHI
KOTOSHOHO vs TSURUGISHO

RANK
JURYO 6 EAST vs JURYO 1 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Shitamachi’s rikishi pick is TSURUGISHO
Gurowake’s rank pick is JURYO 6 EAST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
20 points – Amamaniac
16 points – Hitotsubushi
16 points – itchyknee
16 points – Shio-kago
5 points – code_number3
5 points – Rocks/Gansekiiwa
5 points – Wamahada
4 points – Jejima
4 points – Kintamayama
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Shokikogi
4 points – Unkonoyama
4 points – Torideyama/Yoohoo
3 points – Gurowake
2 points – Mmikasazuma
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Sukubidubidu
2 points – Terarno
1 point – Achiyama
1 point – Andreas21
1 point – Athenayama
1 point – Chankomafuji
1 point – chishafuwaku
1 point – Churaumi
1 point – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point – Fatakiyama
1 point – kuroimori
1 point – McBugger
1 point – rhyen
1 point – Sakura
1 point – Senkoho
1 point – Tailubana
1 point – Tsuchinoninjin
1 point – umbriel2

[shimodahito]

For the second time this basho (and this year), we have a player with picks on both sides.  Shitamachi is guaranteed 4 points in the Day 10 TORCH MATCH:

RIKISHI
TSURUGISHO vs TOKUSHORYU

RANK
JURYO 1 EAST vs JURYO 6 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
Shitamachi’s rikishi pick is TSURUGISHO
Shitamachi’s rank pick is JURYO 6 WEST
Chisaiyama’s rank pick is JURYO 6 WEST
Domichi’s rank pick is JURYO 6 WEST
Yubinhaad’s rank pick is JURYO 6 WEST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
20 points – Amamaniac
16 points – Hitotsubushi
16 points – itchyknee
16 points – Shio-kago
5 points – code_number3
5 points – Rocks/Gansekiiwa
5 points – Wamahada
4 points – Gurowake
4 points – Jejima
4 points – Kintamayama
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Shokikogi
4 points – Unkonoyama
4 points – Torideyama/Yoohoo
3 points -- Shitamachi
2 points – Mmikasazuma
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Sukubidubidu
2 points – Terarno
1 point – Achiyama
1 point – Andreas21
1 point – Athenayama
1 point – Chankomafuji
1 point – chishafuwaku
1 point – Churaumi
1 point – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point – Fatakiyama
1 point – kuroimori
1 point – McBugger
1 point – rhyen
1 point – Sakura
1 point – Senkoho
1 point – Tailubana
1 point – Tsuchinoninjin
1 point – umbriel2

[shimodahito]

Five fresh players in the Day 11 TORCH MATCH:

RIKISHI
TSURUGISHO vs MIDORIFUJI

RANK
JURYO 1 EAST vs JURYO 8 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Shitamachi’s rikishi pick is TSURUGISHO
Akōgyokuseki’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
Kitanoedo’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
Naganoyama’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
Tochyatsu’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
Takanorappa’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
20 points – Amamaniac
16 points – Hitotsubushi
16 points – itchyknee
16 points – Shio-kago
7 points -- Shitamachi
5 points – code_number3
5 points – Rocks/Gansekiiwa
5 points – Wamahada
4 points – Gurowake
4 points – Jejima
4 points – Kintamayama
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Shokikogi
4 points – Unkonoyama
4 points – Torideyama/Yoohoo
2 points – Mmikasazuma
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Sukubidubidu
2 points – Terarno
1 point – Achiyama
1 point – Andreas21
1 point – Athenayama
1 point – Chankomafuji
1 point – Chisaiyama
1 point – chishafuwaku
1 point – Churaumi
1 point – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point – Domichi
1 point – Fatakiyama
1 point – kuroimori
1 point – McBugger
1 point – rhyen
1 point – Sakura
1 point – Senkoho
1 point – Tailubana
1 point – Tsuchinoninjin
1 point – umbriel2
1 point – Yubinhaad

[shimodahito]

With three days left, the chances of someone ending the TORCHBEARER 2021 season with the TORCH is looking very good.  How many players might garnish end-of-year TORCH points?  It’s time to dig out the prize.  Today Takanorappa becomes the third player this basho to be on both sides of the match – four points guaranteed. And were really hit a jackpot with THIRTEEN PLAYERS UP FOR POINTS in the Day 12 TORCH MATCH:

RIKISHI
MIDORIFUJI vs ENHO

RANK
JURYO 8 EAST vs JURYO 11 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Takanorappa’s rikishi pick is ENHO
kedevash’s rikishi pick is ENHO
Benihana’s rank pick is JURYO 11 EAST
Ganzohnesushi’s rank pick is JURYO 11 EAST
Hakuhonofan’s rank pick is JURYO 11 EAST
Jason’s rank pick is JURYO 11 EAST
kotoshikona’s rank pick is JURYO 11 EAST
Munjeezy’s rank pick is JURYO 11 EAST
orandashoho’s rank pick is JURYO 11 EAST
Akōgyokuseki’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
Kitanoedo’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
Naganoyama’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
Tochyatsu’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
Takanorappa’s rank pick is JURYO 8 EAST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
20 points – Amamaniac
16 points – Hitotsubushi
16 points – itchyknee
16 points – Shio-kago
8 points -- Shitamachi
5 points – code_number3
5 points – Rocks/Gansekiiwa
5 points – Wamahada
4 points – Gurowake
4 points – Jejima
4 points – Kintamayama
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Shokikogi
4 points – Unkonoyama
4 points – Torideyama/Yoohoo
3 points – Akōgyokuseki
3 points – Kitanoedo
3 points – Naganoyama
3 points – Tochyatsu
3 points – Takanorappa
2 points – Mmikasazuma
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Sukubidubidu
2 points – Terarno
1 point – Achiyama
1 point – Andreas21
1 point – Athenayama
1 point – Chankomafuji
1 point – Chisaiyama
1 point – chishafuwaku
1 point – Churaumi
1 point – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point – Domichi
1 point – Fatakiyama
1 point – kuroimori
1 point – McBugger
1 point – rhyen
1 point – Sakura
1 point – Senkoho
1 point – Taikoubana
1 point – Tsuchinoninjin
1 point – umbriel2
1 point – Yubinhaad

[shimodahito]

With two days left, the chances of someone ending the TORCHBEARER 2021 season with the TORCH is still looking very good.  ChickyStarr joins the nine carry overs from yesterday in the Day 13 TORCH MATCH:

RIKISHI
ENHO vs ICHIYAMAMOTO

RANK
JURYO 11 EAST vs JURYO 4 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
Takanorappa’s rikishi pick is ENHO
kedevash’s rikishi pick is ENHO
Benihana’s rank pick is JURYO 11 EAST
Ganzohnesushi’s rank pick is JURYO 11 EAST
Hakuhonofan’s rank pick is JURYO 11 EAST
Jason’s rank pick is JURYO 11 EAST
kotoshikona’s rank pick is JURYO 11 EAST
Munjeezy’s rank pick is JURYO 11 EAST
orandashoho’s rank pick is JURYO 11 EAST
ChickyStarr’s rank pick is JURYO 4 WEST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
20 points – Amamaniac
16 points – Hitotsubushi
16 points – itchyknee
16 points – Shio-kago
8 points -- Shitamachi
7 points – Takanorappa
5 points – code_number3
5 points – Rocks/Gansekiiwa
5 points – Wamahada
4 points – Akōgyokuseki
4 points – Gurowake
4 points – Jejima
4 points – Kintamayama
4 points – Kitanoedo
4 points – Naganoyama
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Shokikogi
4 points – Unkonoyama
4 points – Torideyama/Yoohoo
4 points – Tochyatsu
3 points – Benihana
3 points – Ganzohnesushi
3 points – Hakuhonofan
3 points – Jason
3 points – kedevash
3 points – kotoshikona
3 points – Munjeezy
3 points – orandashoho
2 points – Mmikasazuma
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Sukubidubidu
2 points – Terarno
1 point – Achiyama
1 point – Andreas21
1 point – Athenayama
1 point – Chankomafuji
1 point – Chisaiyama
1 point – chishafuwaku
1 point – Churaumi
1 point – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point – Domichi
1 point – Fatakiyama
1 point – kuroimori
1 point – McBugger
1 point – rhyen
1 point – Sakura
1 point – Senkoho
1 point – Taikoubana
1 point – Tsuchinoninjin
1 point – umbriel2
1 point – Yubinhaad

[shimodahito]

On day six, Juryo 13 East Asanowaka was in the TORCH MATCH and lost.  He returns, giving four players a second chance in the Day 14 TORCH MATCH.  We are guaranteed to have a player in the final TORCH MATCH of the year.  If your rank or rikishi pick has not faced J4W Ichiyamamoto or J13E Asanowaka this basho, you might find yourself in the final day too!   Day 14:

RIKISHI
ICHIYAMAMOTO vs ASANOWAKA

RANK
JURYO 4 WEST vs JURYO 13 EAST

Player(s) up for points:
Sakura’s rikishi pick is ASANOWAKA
Achiyama’s rank pick is JURYO 13 EAST
Andreas21’s rank pick is JURYO 13 EAST
chishafuwaku’s rank pick is JURYO 13 EAST
ChickyStarr’s rank pick is JURYO 4 WEST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match

standings:
20 points – Amamaniac
16 points – Hitotsubushi
16 points – itchyknee
16 points – Shio-kago
8 points – Shitamachi
8 points – Takanorappa
5 points – code_number3
5 points – Rocks/Gansekiiwa
5 points – Wamahada
4 points – Akōgyokuseki
4 points – Benihana
4 points – Ganzohnesushi
4 points – Gurowake
4 points – Hakuhonofan
4 points – Jason
4 points – Jejima
4 points – kedevash
4 points – Kintamayama
4 points – Kitanoedo
4 points – kotoshikona
4 points – Munjeezy
4 points – Naganoyama
4 points – orandashoho
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Shokikogi
4 points – Unkonoyama
4 points – Torideyama/Yoohoo
4 points – Tochyatsu
3 points – ChickyStarr
2 points – Mmikasazuma
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Sukubidubidu
2 points – Terarno
1 point – Achiyama
1 point – Andreas21
1 point – Athenayama
1 point – Chankomafuji
1 point – Chisaiyama
1 point – chishafuwaku
1 point – Churaumi
1 point – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point – Domichi
1 point – Fatakiyama
1 point – kuroimori
1 point – McBugger
1 point – rhyen
1 point – Sakura
1 point – Senkoho
1 point – Taikoubana
1 point – Tsuchinoninjin
1 point – umbriel2
1 point – Yubinhaad

[shimodahito]

Good day all,
  There's no chance the TORCH will end up in a Juryo playoff match, so the final TORCH MATCH points will be distributed today.  Afterwards I'll have to tally the end-of-year TORCH points for those who finished closest to the final TORCH positions.

  It was a busy basho, so here's the rundown of Kyushu to see if there are any blatant errors.

DAY 1: Juryo 12 West Hokuseiho (0-0) passes the TORCH to Juryo 12 East Tohakuryu (0-0) [4 points Rocks; 3 points code_number3 & Jejima & Shokikogi; 1 point Amamaniac & Churaumi & Daughter of Sukubidubidu & Kintamayama & McBugger & Mmikasazuma & Tsuchinoninjin]
DAY 2: Juryo 12 East Tohakuryu (1-0) passes the TORCH to Juryo 11 West Hakuyozan (1-0) [3 points Pandaazuma & Unkonoyama & Yoohoo; 1 point code_number3 & Jejima & Rocks & Shokikogi]
DAY 3: Juryo 11 West Hakuyozan (2-0) passes the TORCH to Juryo 10 West Azumaryu (1-1) [3 points Amamaniac & Hitotsubushi & itchyknee & Shio-kago; 1 point Pandaazuma & Unkonoyama & Yoohoo]
DAY 4: Juryo 10 West Azumaryu (2-1) defeats Juryo 9 West Kyokutaisei (1-2) [3 points Amamaniac & Hitotsubushi & itchyknee & Shio-kago; 1 point rhyen & Senkoho & Taikoubana]
DAY 5: Juryo 10 West Azumaryu (3-1) defeats Juryo 9 East Mitoryu (2-2) [3 points Amamaniac & Hitotsubushi & itchyknee & Shio-kago; 2 points Sukubidubidu; 1 point Fatakiyama]
DAY 6: Juryo 10 West Azumaryu (4-1) defeats Juryo 13 East Asanowaka (3-2) [3 points Amamaniac & Hitotsubushi & itchyknee & Shio-kago; 1 point Achiyama & Andreas21 & chishafuwaku & Sakura]
DAY 7: Juryo 10 West Azumaryu (5-1) defeats Juryo 13 West Hiradoumi (2-4) [3 points Amamaniac & Hitotsubushi & itchyknee & Shio-kago; 1 point kuroimori & umbriel2]
DAY 8: Juryo 10 West Azumaryu (6-1) passes the TORCH to Juryo 6 East Kotoshoho (6-1) [3 points Gurowake; 1 point Amamaniac & Hitotsubushi & itchyknee & Shio-kago]
DAY 9: Juryo 6 East Kotoshoho (7-1) passes the TORCH to Juryo 1 East Tsurugisho (3-5) [3 points Shitamachi; 1 point Gurawake]
DAY 10: Juryo 1 East Tsurugisho (4-5) defeats Juryo 6 West Tokushoryu (4-5) [4 points Shitamachi; 1 point Chisaiyama & Domichi & Yubinhaad]
DAY 11: Juryo 1 East Tsurugisho (5-5) passes the TORCH to Juryo 8 East Midorifuji (5-5) [3 points Akōgyokuseki & Kitanoedo & Naganoyama & Tochyatsu & Takanorappa; 1 point Shitamachi]
DAY 12: Juryo 8 East Midorifuji (6-5) passes the TORCH to Juryo 11 East Enho (7-4) [4 points Takanorappa; 3 points Benihana & Ganzohnesushi & Hakuhonofan & Jason & kedevash & kotoshikona & Munjeezy & orandashoho ; 1 point Akōgyokuseki & Kitanoedo & Naganoyama & Tochyatsu ]
DAY 13: Juryo 11 East Enho (8-4) passes the TORCH to Juryo 4 West Ichiyamamoto (10-2) [ 3 points ChickyStarr ; 1 point Benihana & Ganzohnesushi & Hakuhonofan & Jason & kedevash & kotoshikona & Munjeezy & orandashoho & Takanorappa]
DAY 14: Juryo 4 West Ichiyamamoto (11-2) defeats Juryo 13 East Asanowaka (9-4) [3 points ChickyStarr; 1 point Achiyama & Andreas21 & chishafuwaku & Sakura ]

[shimodahito]

Either ChickyStarr or today’s four new challengers are going to get the win and 25 bullseye TORCH points when we add the end-of-year TORCH POINTS:  Senshuraku:

RIKISHI
ICHIYAMAMOTO vs DAISHOHO

RANK
JURYO 4 WEST vs JURYO 7 WEST

Player(s) up for points:
Wakatake’s rikishi pick is DAISHOHO
Cydrome’s rank pick is JURYO 7 WEST
Joaoiyama’s rank pick is JURYO 7 WEST
Kintamayama’s rank pick is JURYO 7 WEST
ChickyStarr’s rank pick is JURYO 4 WEST
a loss = 1 point, but a win = 3 points and an opportunity for more points in the next torch match


standings:
20 points – Amamaniac
16 points – Hitotsubushi
16 points – itchyknee
16 points – Shio-kago
8 points – Shitamachi
8 points – Takanorappa
6 points – ChickyStarr
5 points – code_number3
5 points – Rocks/Gansekiiwa
5 points – Wamahada
4 points – Akōgyokuseki
4 points – Benihana
4 points – Ganzohnesushi
4 points – Gurowake
4 points – Hakuhonofan
4 points – Jason
4 points – Jejima
4 points – kedevash
4 points – Kintamayama
4 points – Kitanoedo
4 points – kotoshikona
4 points – Munjeezy
4 points – Naganoyama
4 points – orandashoho
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Shokikogi
4 points – Unkonoyama
4 points – Torideyama/Yoohoo
4 points – Tochyatsu
2 points – Andreas21
2 points – Athenayama
2 points – Chisaiyama
2 points – Mmikasazuma
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Sakura
2 points – Sukubidubidu
2 points – Terarno
1 point – Achiyama
1 point – Chankomafuji
1 point – chishafuwaku
1 point – Churaumi
1 point – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point – Domichi
1 point – Fatakiyama
1 point – kuroimori
1 point – McBugger
1 point – rhyen
1 point – Senkoho
1 point – Taikoubana
1 point – Tsuchinoninjin
1 point – umbriel2
1 point – Yubinhaad

[shimodahito]

Before we get to the TORCH POINT distribution, here is the Kyushu TORCH MATCH summary:

start-of-Kyushu rikishi: HOKUSEIHO
start-of-Kyushu rank: JURYO 12 WEST

end-of-Kyushu rikishi: ICHIYAMAMOTO
end-of-Kyushu rank: JURYO 4 WEST

Here are the standings of all the TORCH MATCH points.

standings:
20 points – Amamaniac
16 points – Hitotsubushi
16 points – itchyknee
16 points – Shio-kago
9 points – ChickyStarr
8 points – Shitamachi
8 points – Takanorappa
5 points – code_number3
5 points – Kintamayama
5 points – Rocks/Gansekiiwa
5 points – Wamahada
4 points – Akōgyokuseki
4 points – Benihana
4 points – Ganzohnesushi
4 points – Gurowake
4 points – Hakuhonofan
4 points – Jason
4 points – Jejima
4 points – kedevash
4 points – Kitanoedo
4 points – kotoshikona
4 points – Munjeezy
4 points – Naganoyama
4 points – orandashoho
4 points – Pandaazuma
4 points – Shokikogi
4 points – Unkonoyama
4 points – Torideyama/Yoohoo
4 points – Tochyatsu
2 points – Andreas21
2 points – Athenayama
2 points – Chisaiyama
2 points – Mmikasazuma
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Sakura
2 points – Sukubidubidu
2 points – Terarno
1 point – Achiyama
1 point – Chankomafuji
1 point – chishafuwaku
1 point – Churaumi
1 point – Cydrome
1 point – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
1 point – Domichi
1 point – Fatakiyama
1 point – Joaoiyama
1 point – kuroimori
1 point – McBugger
1 point – rhyen
1 point – Senkoho
1 point – Taikoubana
1 point – Tsuchinoninjin
1 point – umbriel2
1 point – Wakatake
1 point – Yubinhaad

[shimodahito]

good day all,
The 2021 TORCH prize is ready for the winner. The TORCH MATCH point leader is Amamaniac with 20 points. It’s now 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. 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 RANK. ChickyStarr hits the 25-point bullseye and was the only one with the JURYO 4 WEST picker. Umigame, Chankomafuji, and Jesinofuji missed it by one position. In all, 31 players earned FINAL TORCH RANK points!.

MAEGASHIRA 15 WEST...
MAEGASHIRA 16 EAST...
MAEGASHIRA 16 WEST...
MAEGASHIRA 17 EAST...
MAEGASHIRA 17 WEST...
JURYO 1 WEST.........
JURYO 2 EAST.........
JURYO 2 WEST.........(8 points: Aled ap Tomos & Nekonishiki)
JURYO 3 EAST.........(9 points: Fujisan & Suwihuto)
JURYO 3 WEST.........
JURYO 4 EAST.........(10 points: Umigame)
FINAL TORCH RANK: JURYO 4 WEST...(25 points: ChickyStarr)
JURYO 5 EAST.........(10 points: Chankomafuji & Jesinofuji)
JURYO 5 WEST.........
JURYO 6 EAST.........(9 points: Gurowake)
JURYO 6 WEST.........(8 points: Chisaiyama & Domichi & Shitamachi & Yubinhaad)
JURYO 7 EAST.........(7 points: Haidouzo & Kaito)
JURYO 7 WEST.........(6 points: Cydrome & Joaoiyama & Kintamayama)
JURYO 8 EAST.........(5 points: Akōgyokuseki & Kitanoedo & Naganoyama & Tochyatsu & Takanorappa)
JURYO 8 WEST.........(4 points: itchyknee)
JURYO 9 EAST.........(3 points: Fatakiyama & Sukubidubidu)
JURYO 9 WEST.........(2 points: rhyen & Senkoho & Taikoubana)
JURYO 10 EAST........(1 points: dingo & Furanohana)


So at the end of the final RANK point distribution we have three players – Hitotsubushi, Shio-kago, Shitamachi – with 16 points in third place. In second place, itchyknee joins Amamaniac’s 20 points. And ChickyStarr takes the lead with 34 points, far enough in front of anyone to surpass.

[shimodahito]

Next, the END-OF-YEAR TORCH POINTS for RIKISHI. There was no 25-point awardee as no one picked the correct final TORCH RIKISHI, ICHIYAMAMOTO. But credit goes to all players earning points as the tougher skill of this game is picking a rikishi. In all, 18 players earned FINAL TORCH RIKISHI points with Cydrome just one-off from the bullseye. Kudos to the full bucket of players, Aled ap Tomos & Cydrome & Gurowake & itchyknee & Jesinofuji & Kitanoedo & rhyen & Shitamachi & Sukubidubidu & Suwihuto who had ended with rank AND rikishi points, showcasing the skill in this game. Last year, only one player did so.


CHIYONOKUNI......
CHIYOMARU........
ABI.............(2 points: Ayagawa & rhyen)
AKUA............(3 points: Munjeezy)
SADANOUMI........
KAISEI...........
SHOHOZAN.........
TSURUGISHO......(5 points: Shitamachi)
WAKAMOTOHARU.....
DAIAMAMI........(7 points: Aled-ap-Tomos & Ganzohnesushi & Jesinofuji)
KAISHO..........(8 points: Kitanoedo & Shatsume)
DAISHOMARU......(9 points: Gurowake)
BUSHOZAN.........
NISHIKIFUJI......
FINAL TORCH RIKSHI: ICHIYAMAMOTO
CHIYONOO........(10 points: Cydrome)
NISHIKIGI........
KOTOSHOHO........
TOKUSHORYU......(8 points: Shio-kago)
OHO.............(7 points: Suwihuto)
DAISHOHO........(6 points: Wakatake)
MIDORIFUJI.......
CHURANOUMI.......
MITORYU.........(4 points: Sukubidubidu)
KYOKUTAISEI......
YAGO............(3 points: Daughter of Sukubidubidu)
AZUMARYU........(2 points: itchyknee)
ENHO.............
HAKUYOZAN.......(1 point: Pandaazuma)


With all the points added, our final standings:

standings:
34 points – ChickyStarr
24 points – Shio-kago
22 points – Gurowake
22 points – itchyknee
21 points – Shitamachi
20 points – Amamaniac
17 points – Cydrome
17 points – Jesinofuji
17 points – Kitanoedo
16 points – Hitotsubushi
16 points – Suwihuto
15 points – Aled ap Tomos
13 points – Takanorappa
11 points – Chankomafuji
11 points – Ganzohnesushi
11 points – Kintamayama
10 points – Chisaiyama
10 points – Umigame
9 points – Akōgyokuseki
9 points – Domichi
9 points – Fujisan
9 points – Naganoyama
9 points – Sukubidubidu
9 points – Tochyatsu
9 points – Yubinhaad
8 points – Nekonishiki
8 points – Shatsume
7 points – Haidouzo
7 points – Joaoiyama
7 points – Kaito
7 points – Munjeezy
7 points – Wakatake
5 points – code_number3
5 points – Pandaazuma
5 points – rhyen
5 points – Rocks/Gansekiiwa
5 points – Wamahada
4 points – Benihana
4 points – Daughter of Sukubidubidu
4 points – Fatakiyama
4 points – Hakuhonofan
4 points – Jason
4 points – Jejima
4 points – kedevash
4 points – kotoshikona
4 points – orandashoho
4 points – Shokikogi
4 points – Unkonoyama
4 points – Torideyama/Yoohoo
3 points – Senkoho
3 points – Taikoubana
2 points – Andreas21
2 points – Athenayama
2 points – Ayagawa
2 points – Mmikasazuma
2 points – Oshirokita
2 points – Sakura
2 points – Terarno
1 point – Achiyama
1 point – chishafuwaku
1 point – Churaumi
1 point – dingo
1 point – Furanohana
1 point – kuroimori
1 point – McBugger
1 point – Tsuchinoninjin
1 point – umbriel2


Congratulations to ChickyStarr, the TORCHBEARER 2021 winner. I’ll be corresponding to send the prize. A very impressive TORCH 2021 with 67 players in the points.
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
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 2022 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