Terunofuji moves to brink of third title japantimes.co.jp - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from japantimes.co.jp Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Sekiwake Terunofuji continued his march toward an
ozeki promotion Wednesday at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, staying unbeaten with a gutsy victory over rank-and-file grappler Meisei.
Shodai, meanwhile, became the first of the three ozeki to suffer a second upset loss, falling to No. 2
maegashira Hokutofuji in the final bout on Day 4 at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan.
No. 3 Meisei (2-2) appeared set to spring an upset against Terunofuji, exploding out of the blocks and driving him back to the edge.
But the big Mongolian used an arm-lock hold and his height advantage to counter Meisei’s attempt to dislodge him, then forced the action back to the middle, where he threw the maegashira to the clay.
Rank-and-file grappler Wakatakakage delivered an outstanding performance to upset
ozeki Takakeisho at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday, but the result was overshadowed by the withdrawal of
yokozuna Hakuho earlier in the day.
The 36-year-old grand champion told the Japan Sumo Association he was pulling out of the 15-day tournament at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan because of problems with his troublesome right knee.
The winner of a record 44 top-division titles will have surgery to repair his patella and swelling around the joint later this month, followed by an expected two-month rehabilitation.
With the other Mongolian-born grand champion, Kakuryu, having already pulled out before opening day, the
ozeki Asanoyama took his first loss after being outmaneuvered by
komusubi Takayasu.
After a tough battle with komusubi Daieisho to start the 15-day meet at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan, Hakuho cruised through the final bout of Day 2 against No. 1
maegashira Takarafuji.
The rank-and-filer tried to take the fight to Hakuho, but after the pair locked up, the all-time championship record-holder sent Takarafuji (0-2) tumbling with an arm-lock throw.
With fellow Mongolian-born grappler Kakuryu once again out hurt, the 36-year-old Hakuho is fighting as the sole yokozuna as he tries to overcome his own extended run of absences caused by health concerns, including a positive coronavirus test that sidelined him in January.
In his first bout since July, the 44-time tournament champion recorded a close victory over komusubi Daieisho as the annual March meet kicked off at Ryogoku Kokugikan.