Rising star Onosato bounced back from a loss on the previous day to defeat Tobizaru on Tuesday, May 14 and remain one win off the pace at the injury-hit Summer Basho.
In the day's featured bout, komusubi Onosato took advantage of a superior face-off and calmly shoved out No 3 maegashira Tobizaru (1-2) to improve to 2-1.
Onosato lost to Takayasu on Monday in a fierce battle that was so intense that veteran Takayasu, a No 3 maegashira, was forced to withdraw with back pain, joining a growing list of wrestlers sitting out the 15-day tournament with injury.
Because of Takayasu's withdrawal on Tuesday, sekiwake Abi improved to 2-1 with a win by default.
Takayasu leaves the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament with a 2-1 record. He is one of many big-name wrestlers who have already pulled out. The list includes grand champion Terunofuji, March tournament winner Takerufuji, former ozeki Asanoyama and current ozeki Takakeisho.
It's not a flattering look and sumo officials can't be pleased that so many major wrestlers are sitting out the tournament.
Atamifuji Improves to 2-1 at the Summer Basho
In other major bouts, another up-and-coming grappler, Atamifuji, took advantage of a mistake by Kirishima to pick up his second win of the Summer Basho in the day's final bout at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Ozeki Kirishima dodged to his side shortly after the face-off and found himself in no-man's land when he lost his balance. This allowed top maegashira Atamifuji to calmly shove out the Mongolian wrestler, who continues to struggle and dropped to 1-2.
A face plant into the floor below the dohyo added to Kirishima's blushes on the third day of the 15-day basho.
Atamifuji also beat ozeki Hoshoryu on the opening day of the tournament and will face Abi on Day 4.
Ozeki Kotozakura kept pace with Onosato when he got a left-hand grip on the belt and shoved Hiradoumi out to pick up his second win against one loss.
No 2 maegashira Hiradoumi dropped to 1-2.
Hoshoryu Snaps Losing Streak
Ozeki Hoshoryu finally picked up his first win when he got both arms around Daieisho (2-1) and thrust the top maegashira out to raise his record to 1-2.
No 4 maegashira Ura used an under-shoulder swing-down to topple fifth-ranked Onosho (1-2) and improve to 3-0, tied for the lead with six others.
Former ozeki Mitakeumi got a right hand in on Nishikigi and bulldozed his fellow No 7 maegashira out to improve to 3-0. Nishikigi slipped to 1-2.
Other wrestlers at 3-0 include rank-and-filers Takarafuji, Oshoma, Ryuden, Kinbozan and Shonannoumi.
RELATED:
- Kotozakura Beats Atamifuji to Bounce Back from Opening-Day Loss at Summer Basho
- Onosato Stuns Terunofuji on a Day of Upsets at Summer Basho
- With Some Top Sumo Wrestlers Sidelined, the Summer Basho Title is Up for Grabs
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login