Facing his sternest test so far, lone grand champion Terunofuji overpowered a determined effort by Asanoyama on Tuesday, March 12 to win his second consecutive bout at the Spring Basho.
In a battle of heavyweights, Terunofuji got a double-handed grip on the loosened belt of Asanoyama and forced the top maegashira out over the edge in the day's final bout at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, also known as Edion Arena Osaka, to improve to 2-1.
Former ozeki Asanoyama did manage to get a grip of the yokozuna's belt, but couldn't finish off his opponent when it mattered and fell to 1-2.
Terunofuji won his ninth Emperor's Cup in the New Year meet in January and is determined to win his 10th in this basho.
After a shaky opening-day loss he has looked solid and his win over a formidable opponent in Asanoyama should give him plenty of confidence.
Wakamotharu, Abi Among Spring Basho Leaders
In other major bouts on Day 3 at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, sekiwake Wakamotoharu and komusubi Abi both won their bouts to join a large leader pack at 3-0.
Wakamotoharu notched up his first win against Takanosho (1-2) when he used a series of powerful arm thrusts to send the No 3 maegashira out to stay perfect at 3-0.
Abi also used fierce arm thrusts to the head and neck to send struggling sekiwake Daieisho (0-3) out in a matter of seconds.
Ozeki Hoshoryu got a double-inside grip on the belt of Atamifuji and drove the No 2 maegashira out to pick up his second win against one loss.
Atamifuji, who has vowed to do better than his 6-9 record in the last tournament, fell to 1-2.
Osaka native Ura, a No 1 maegashira, pulled a fast one on ozeki Kirishima when he did a deep knee bend and then thrust down his opponent to earn his second win against one loss.
It's been a miserable start to the tournament for Kirishima, who was fooled by Ura and dropped to 0-3.
It was the second win over an ozeki for Ura, who also defeated Hoshoryu on the opening day.
"It's a bit of a blank to me," Ura said when asked about this win over Kirishima. "I just swatted him down and tried to do my best."
Ura added, "I feel very comfortable here in Osaka and want to please the fans."
Kotonowaka Outwrestles Nishikigi
New ozeki Kotonowaka bounced back from his Day 2 loss when he shoved out Nishikigi (1-2) to pick up his second win against a lone loss.
Ozeki Takakeisho used a last-gasp beltless arm throw at the edge to dispatch Meisei while improving to 2-1. No 2 maegashira Meisei, who put up a spirited effort, dropped to 1-2.
Further down the ranks, makuuchi division rookie Takerufuji, a No 17 maegashira, improved to 3-0 when he deployed a textbook arm throw to send Roga sprawling to the dirt surface.
Roga, a No 15 maegashira from Russia, dropped to 2-1.
RELATED:
- Lone Yokozuna Terunofuji Bounces Back on Day 2 of Spring Basho
- Yokozuna Terunofuji Upset on Opening Day of Spring Basho
- Heading into the Spring Basho, Terunofuji Has His Eye on the Prize
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.
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