Abi Defeats Frontrunner Kinbozan as New Year Basho Remains Up for Grabs

Komusubi Abi defeated sole leader Kinbozan on Tuesday, January 21 to hand the surprise frontrunner his first loss at the New Year Basho.

Relying on his experience, Abi used a powerful arm thrust to the head of the No 14 maegashira from Kazakhstan and then pulled back and watched as Kinbozan toppled to the dirt surface after losing his balance.

With the loss, Kinbozan dropped to 9-1 but is still one win ahead of Takerufuji, Oho and Chiyoshoma. Abi improved to 6-4.

As he is the sole leader, Kinbozan can expect to see tougher competition over the final five days of the tournament and will meet ozeki Onosato on Day 11.

Hoshoryu Ends New Year Basho Losing Streak

Ozeki Hoshoryu bounced back from two straight losses and improved to 7-3 when he used a pulling overarm throw to defeat sekiwake Daieisho, who fell to 6-4.

Hoshoryu is now tied with Onosato and Kirishima. All three are very much in the championship race with five days remaining.

Ozeki Onosato kept his title hopes alive when he stepped to his right and swatted down Gonoyama to pick up his seventh win against three losses. No 3 maegashira Gonoyama stands at an even 5-5.

In an uncharacteristic display of defensive, evasive sumo, March 2024 tournament winner Takerufuji dodged to his side at the face-off and thrust down Ichiyamamoto.

No 11 maegashira Takerufuji did wrap up a winning record and remained on the leaderboard at 8-2, but it was hardly the type of sumo that he has been known for so far. Sixth-ranked maegashira Ichiyamamoto dropped to 6-4.

Takerufuji lost to Kinbozan on the previous day but said that loss didn't have an impact on his performance on Day 10.

"I didn't dwell on yesterday's loss," Takerufuji said before adding, "I just tried to focus on today's bout."

He then said, "I didn't really plan on the shift to the side today, it just happened naturally."

Oho Showcases Strength in Triumph over Tamawashi

No 3 maegashira Oho kept pace with Takerufuji when he used a frontal force-out to dispatch sumo's ironman Tamawashi to improve to 8-2.

"I've been able to do my sumo," Oho said. "I was able to move forward and attack well today. I just want to show solid sumo for the rest of the tournament."

Tenth-ranked maegashira Tamawashi, who turned 40 in November, started off with five straight wins, raising hopes he could contend for the title. But he has now lost four of his last five to drop to 6-4. 

Kirishima Extends New Year Basho Win Streak

Top maegashira Kirishima dropped fellow Mongolian Chiyoshoma into a tie with Takerufuji and Oho when he used a hand pull-down to send the fifth-ranked maegashira to a record of 8-2.

After a sluggish start, Kirishima won his seventh straight bout to improve to 7-3.

Ozeki Kotozakura, fighting for little more than a winning record, unleashed a series of powerful arm thrusts to send Hiradoumi backpedaling over the straw ridge.

Kotozakura improved to 4-6 and fifth-ranked maegashira Hiradoumi slipped to 5-5.

RELATED:

• Kinbozan Remains in Control as Hoshoryu Falters Again at New Year Basho
• New Year Basho: Shodai Upsets Hoshoryu to Deal a Blow to His Yokozuna Promotion Hopes
• Hoshoryu Stays 1 Win off the Lead After Overpowering Oho at New Year Basho

Author: Jim Armstrong

The author is a longtime journalist who has covered sports in Japan for over 25 years. You can find his articles on SportsLook.