Sumo

Summer Basho Drama: Abi Stuns Kotozakura as Onosato Takes the Sole Lead on Day 14

On the penultimate day of the Summer Basho, the veteran sekiwake remained poised despite being shoved back at the outset. Abi is still in the title chase.

Published on

May 25, 2024

Jim Armstrong

Sekiwake Abi upset ozeki Kotozakura on Saturday May 25, a result that handed the sole lead to Onosato heading into the final day of the Summer Basho.

In the day's final bout at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, Kotozakura pushed Abi back to edge but the sekiwake shifted to his side. Abi then shoved the stunned ozeki out to give both men a 10-4 record.

It was the first time in eight head-to-head bouts that Abi beat Kotozakura. Not only did he beat the ozeki, he also kept his own title hopes alive in the 15-day basho.

"I was able to move around well," Abi said. "I just wanted to go on the attack. He's an ozeki so I knew it would take everything I had. It's been a while since I beat him."

*Onosato forces opponent Shonannoumi over the edge of the raised ring. (©SANKEI)*

Onosato Showcases Strength Against Shonannoumi

In other major bouts at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, komusubi Onosato took a big step toward winning his first title when he overpowered Shonannoumi.

Onosato attempted a right hand grip after the face-off. He couldn't quite get a hold of the belt but simply overpowered his opponent with his powerful arm thrusts to improve to 11-3.

Tenth-ranked maegashira Shonannoumi put up little resistance and dropped to 9-5.

Heading into the final day, Onosato is in the lead followed by four men at 10-4 ― Hoshoryu, Daieisho, Abi and Kotozakura.

*Hoshoryu defeats Oshoma with a well-executed move. (KYODO)*

Ozeki Hoshoryu got a right-handed outside grip immediately after the face-off and lifted out Mongolian compatriot Oshoma to stay in the running for the title with a record of 10-4.

Mukuuchi division debutant Oshoma, a No 14 maegashira, has had an impressive showing in his first tournament in the elite ranks but dropped to 9-5 and out of contention.

*Daieisho (left) and Takayasu grapple in the Summer Basho. (©SANKEI)*

Daieisho Triumphs in All-Maegashira Clash

In a battle of heavyweights, top maegashira Daieisho stayed in the title chase when he used his trademark arm thrusts to send Takayasu backpedaling out of the ring.

Daieisho improved to 10-4 while third-ranked maegashira Takayasu fell to six wins, two losses and five absences.

Top maegashira Atamifuji used an arm-lock throw at the edge to topple Ura and pick up his seventh win against seven losses. Fourth-ranked Ura lost his eighth consecutive bout to drop to 6-8.

Atamifuji could be moving up the ranks for the next tournament in July while Ura will be heading in the other direction.

Fifth-ranked maegashira Meisei knocked Kinbozan off balance at the face-off and shoved out the 10th-ranked maegashira to move to 9-5. Kinbozan fell to 8-6.

No 16 maegashira Takarafuji snapped a three-bout losing streak when he shoved out Kotoshoho with a rear push-out to improve to 9-5. Eighth-ranked Kotoshoho dropped to 8-6.

Ryuden, a No 14 maegashira, got a right-hand grip on the belt of Mitakeumi and shoved the former ozeki out over the straw ridge to pick up his ninth win against five losses. Seventh-ranked Mitakeumi fell to 8-6.

Hiradoumi bulldozed out No 3 maegashira Tobizaru (5-9) in a one-sided bout when he got both hands inside and drove out the Flying Monkey. With the victory, the No 2 maegashira improved to 8-6 and wrapped up a winning record.