2020 July Basho.

[Swami]

Kakuryu was the main casualty, falling to an ungainly defeat as he tried to win with a leg-sweep.

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[Swami]

Tokyo Day 1: Hakuho survives, Kakuryu falls on the first day of July meet
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 19 July 2020
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Yokozuna Hakuho claimed his first win of the July Grand Sumo Tournament in front of a live crowd on Sunday as the sport returned after a four-month suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The 15-day tournament was moved from Nagoya to the capital as a precaution against the coronavirus, with up to roughly 2,500 spectators admitted to Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan each day to watch the action.

In the day's final bout, Hakuho was taken by surprise by Okinoumi, who came out blazing on the initial charge. Hakuho regained his footing and avoided an upset by forcing the returning komusubi down.

The other yokozuna, Kakuryu, blundered on opening day and suffered his first loss against top-ranked maegashira Endo. Kakuryu went for a leg sweep but missed his target and inadvertently fell to the clay.

Endo, who also beat Kakuryu on Day 1 of January's New Year meet, earned his seventh kinboshi prize for defeating a yokozuna as a rank-and-filer.

In other bouts, new ozeki Asanoyama earned his first win at the sport's second-highest rank after making quick work of No. 2 Takanosho.

Asanoyama took the brunt of a hard initial charge from Takanosho, but was able to turn his opponent around and bounce him out from behind.

Takakeisho got off to a strong start in his second tournament as a demotion-threatened kadoban ozeki after he turned the tables on No. 1 Yutakayama.

Yutakayama delivered some hard shoves and had Takakeisho on the ropes, but the ozeki slipped to the side and pushed Yutakayama off the dohyo.

The two ozeki are both seeking their second top-division title.

Both sekiwake clinched opening-day victories, with Shodai throwing down No. 2 Onosho, and Mitakeumi pushing out No. 3 Takarafuji.

Shodai secured a left-handed outside grip on Onosho's belt and downed him with an overarm throw at the edge of the ring. Mitakeumi, returning to sekiwake for the first time in three meets, dug in low against Takarafuji with an inside grip and drove him over the straw.

Returning komusubi Daieisho prevailed in a pushing-and-slapping contest against No. 3 Kiribayama.

No. 17 Terunofuji kicked off the meet's top-division bouts and captured his first makuuchi victory in nearly three years by thrusting out No. 17 Kotoyuki.

The former ozeki, who is coming back from surgery on both knees, became the first sumo wrestler in history to return to the top flight after dropping all the way down to the lower-tier jonidan ranks.

Two bouts later, up-and-coming grappler Kotoshoho made his top-level debut. He forced out fellow No. 15 maegashira Chiyomaru to start off with a win.

The 20-year-old makuuchi newcomer won the second-tier juryo division championship with a 12-3 record in March before the coronavirus pandemic halted sports events across the country.

Swami

 

[Michelle Stevens]

Great to see sumo again after all this time. Disappointed in Kakuryu's fall. Terunofuji starting with a win is good.

Kakuryu was the main casualty, falling to an ungainly defeat as he tried to win with a leg-sweep.

Swami

Really sloppy. As much as I like Kakuryu he never fails to disappoint.

 

[Swami]

Great to see sumo again after all this time. Disappointed in Kakuryu's fall. Terunofuji starting with a win is good.



Really sloppy. As much as I like Kakuryu he never fails to disappoint.

Indeed, Terunofuji's first appearance in Makunouchi in 13 tournaments.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Injured Kakuryu pulls out of July meet after Day 1 loss
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 20 July 2020
Hits: 14

Yokozuna Kakuryu withdrew from the July Grand Sumo Tournament with a right elbow injury on Monday, a day after the relocated meet began in Tokyo.

According to his Michinoku stablemaster, Kakuryu suffered the injury when he slipped trying to execute a leg sweep against No. 1 maegashira Endo during Sunday's opening-day bouts.

"When he fell in his match against Endo, he fell from the right side and hurt his elbow," Michinoku said. "He also got hurt during practice on Monday (July 13). I think he is worried about hitting it (and further aggravating the injury), so it's best to fully recover.

It was the first time since the Japan Sumo Association started announcing winning techniques in 1955 that a yokozuna lost by koshikudake, where a wrestler inadvertently falls backward without being engaged by his opponent.

Michinoku said he expects Kakuryu to be out for the remainder of the tournament to allow enough time for the damaged elbow to properly heal. The 15-day meet usually held in Nagoya was moved to Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan to limit travel during the coronavirus pandemic.

The 34-year-old Mongolian withdrew for the 16th time in his career and first since pulling out of January's New Year meet, leaving Hakuho — who opened the basho with a win — as the sole remaining yokozuna.

Kakuryu's scheduled opponent on Monday, komusubi Daieisho, will be awarded a win by default.

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[Swami]

Tokyo Day 2: New ozeki Asanoyama and Hakuho impress
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 20 July 2020
Hits: 19

Newly promoted ozeki Asanoyama and grand champion Hakuho cemented their position as top contenders at the July Grand Sumo Tournament after decisively claiming their second straight wins on Monday.

Asanoyama quickly dispatched top-ranked maegashira Endo (1-1) after getting a left-handed outside hold on his belt and driving him out in the penultimate bout on Day 2 at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan. Hakuho then wrapped up No. 1 Yutakayama (0-2) and flipped the rank-and-filer to the clay with a perfectly executed underarm throw.

Asanoyama, who aims to follow in Hakuho's footsteps at the pinnacle of the sport, is chasing his second championship since winning his maiden title at last year's Summer meet. Hakuho -- the sole remaining yokozuna following Kakuryu's injury withdrawal earlier in the day -- is gunning for his 45th title, and first back-to-back championship since 2017.

The rest of the elite-level wrestlers also fared well. Takakeisho improved to 2-0 after taking out No. 2 Onosho (0-2). The demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki, who needs to clinch at least eight wins to keep his rank, pushed Onosho back and then slapped him down as he tried to rally.

Both sekiwake prevailed on Day 2 to remain perfect in the race for the year's third Emperor's Cup. Mitakeumi was driven back after a good initial charge from No. 2 Takanosho (0-2), but shifted to the side at the straw and slapped his opponent down. Shodai came out of the gates charging and steamrolled No. 3 Takarafuji (0-2).

Komusubi Daieisho got the day off and earned his second win by default after his scheduled opponent, Kakuryu, pulled out with a right elbow injury. Komusubi Okinoumi (1-1) pushed out No. 3 Kiribayama (0-2) to claim his first win of the meet, which has been relocated from Nagoya to Tokyo to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

Among the former ozeki in competition, No. 13 Takayasu (1-1) needed over a minute to defeat No. 12 Shohozan (0-2) but eventually captured his first victory. Takayasu kept Shohozan away from his belt and, after a lengthy standoff, pulled his fellow veteran down.

No. 17 Terunofuji -- who is competing in the top flight for the first time in 14 tournaments -- outmuscled No. 16 Kotoeko (1-1) and picked up his second straight win. No. 14 Kotoshogiku improved to 2-0 after hustling out No. 15 Chiyomaru (0-2), while No. 11 Tochinoshin suffered his first loss at the hands of No. 10 Kaisei (1-1).

In other bouts, No. 6 Enho (1-1) got his first win after defeating No. 7 Tokushoryu, the surprise winner of January's New Year meet. The diminutive fan-favorite anchored himself low in front of Tokushoryu (0-2) and bulldozed the wrestler nearly twice his size straight over the straw.

Makuuchi newcomer Kotoshoho showed off his defensive skills against No. 14 Wakatakakage (0-2) to remain spotless in his first top-division tournament. The rookie grapplers locked up before Wakatakakage shoved No. 15 Kotoshoho to the edge of the ring, but Kotoshoho stayed alive long enough to thrust Wakatakakage down to the clay.

Swami

 

[Michelle Stevens]

I'm not surprised with Kakuryu pulling out but it's disappointing.

Good to see Takayasu get a win even at lower ranks. Seeing him and Kotoshogiku at these lower ranks is depressing. I hope they have a winning basho.

 

[Swami]

I'm not surprised with Kakuryu pulling out but it's disappointing.

Good to see Takayasu get a win even at lower ranks. Seeing him and Kotoshogiku at these lower ranks is depressing. I hope they have a winning basho.

Takayasu's decline has been surprisingly rapid, although Kotoshogiku is probably closer to retirement at this stage.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Tokyo Day 3: Hakuho and Asanoyama claim 3rd straight wins
Details
Written by Kyodo
Published: 21 July 2020
Hits: 18

Yokozuna Hakuho and new ozeki Asanoyama both picked up their third straight wins of the July Grand Sumo Tournament, while three wrestlers from the sport's elite ranks suffered their first losses.

Hakuho wasted little time dispatching top-ranked maegashira Endo (1-2), who had beaten the Mongolian-born grand champion twice in 14 previous meetings.

After a hard initial hit, Hakuho blasted the rank-and-filer off the dohyo so hard that his momentum nearly carried him out of Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, the tournament's venue following its relocation to the capital as a precaution against the coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier on Day 3, Asanoyama quickly wrapped up No. 1 Yutakayama (0-3) and kept him on the back foot wile inching him out of the ring. The ozeki earned his third win in five matches with Yutakayama, who is fighting at the highest rank of his career.

Nine men share the lead, but Ozeki Takakeisho (2-1) fell off the pace after losing to Okinoumi (2-1). Unable to penetrate the komusbi's defenses, Takakeisho went for a slap-down but was pushed backwards when Okinoumi delivered a high shove.

Sekiwake Mitakeumi (3-0) stayed spotless after withstanding an attack from No. 2 Onosho (0-3). Onosho got the better of the initial charge and forced Mitakeumi back, but the two-time winner of the Emperor's Cup pivoted and threw the winless rank-and-filer down with a headlock.

His sekiwake counterpart Shodai, however, fell to his first loss. Shodai (2-1) got turned around while trying to drive out No. 2 Takanosho (1-2) before getting shoved over the straw trying to escape.

Komusubi Daieisho (2-1) also suffered his first loss after getting pushed out by Takarafuji (1-2). The No. 3 maegashira got Daieisho off balance by deflecting a shove, then sent him out from behind to break a two-bout losing streak.

No. 17 Terunofuji (3-0) continued to impress after rising back to the top ranks over the last three years, defeating No. 15 Chiyomaru (0-3) with an overarm throw.

No. 13 Takayasu (2-1) emerged victorious in a battle between two former ozeki after driving out No. 14 Kotoshogiku (2-1).

Among the rookies, No. 15 Kotoshoho bulldozed No. 16 Nishikigi (1-2) over the straw to remain undefeated in his makuuchi debut. No. 13 Kotonowaka, who went 9-6 at his first top-division meet in March, pushed out Shohozan (0-3) for his third win.

Swami

 

[Michelle Stevens]

Terunofuji continues to win. The match I liked the most was between the two former ozeki Kotoshogiku and Takayasu. It's a shame they have fallen so far.

I'd love to see someone beat Hakuho this time around. At this early stage I reckon he's the odds on favourite. Asaanoyama is the only rikishi I think who is capable of that and that is a stretch.

 

[Swami]

Terunofuji continues to win. The match I liked the most was between the two former ozeki Kotoshogiku and Takayasu. It's a shame they have fallen so far.

I'd love to see someone beat Hakuho this time around. At this early stage I reckon he's the odds on favourite. Asaanoyama is the only rikishi I think who is capable of that and that is a stretch.

Asanoyama might have a chance this time, normally a debut tournament as ozeki is hampered by too many celebrations beforehand, but with lockdown he won't have had those distractions.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Tokyo Day 4: Hakuho, Asanoyama stay perfect
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 22 July 2020
Hits: 25

Hakuho took another step toward a second straight Emperor's Cup by improving to 4-0 at the July Grand Sumo Tournament, while new ozeki Asanoyama also stayed at the front of the pack with a perfect record.

The sole yokozuna following the injury withdrawal of Kakuryu, Hakuho beat No. 2 maegashira Takanosho in the final bout on Day 4 of the relocated tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.

In their first career meeting, Takanosho (1-3) made strong contact at the jump and managed to push Hakuho backward, but the Mongolian-born grand champion calmly stepped to his left at the straw and threw down the rank-and-filer.

Following his victory at the Osaka Grand Tournament in March, the all-time great is aiming for a record-extending 45th career title and his first back-to-back championships since 2017.

In his sternest test so far as a new ozeki, Asanoyama skillfully avoided being pushed out following a gutsy performance by komusubi Daeieisho.

After flying out of the blocks and denying Asanoyama a belt grip, Daieisho (2-2) tried to drive his higher-ranked opponent over the straw. But the powerfully built ozeki showed nimble footwork as he stepped to the side and pushed Daieisho out from behind.

Ozeki Takakeisho (3-1) overpowered No. 1 Endo (1-3) to bounce back from his first loss of the 15-day meet on Tuesday.

Following a spirited pushing and thrusting battle, the demotion- threatened "kadoban" ozeki launched himself at the maegashira, whose heel touched down on the wrong side of the straw a split-second before Takakeisho hit the clay.

Sekiwake Mitakeumi stayed perfect at 4-0 while keeping No. 1 Yutakayama winless. The two-time grand tournament winner absorbed a hard opening blast from his opponent before quickly thrusting him to the ground.

The other sekiwake, Shodai, advanced to 3-1 by forcing out Mongolian No. 3 Kiribayama (1-3).

Komusubi Okinoumi (3-1) pushed out No. 2 Onosho to hand the former komusubi a fourth straight loss.

Highly regarded youngster Kotoshoho continued to impress in his top-division debut, improving to 4-0 with a win against a former ozeki, No. 13 Takayasu (2-2). The 20-year-old No. 15 will face No. 12 Shohozan (0-4) on Day 5.

Former ozeki Terunofuji also stayed perfect at 4-0 by beating juryo wrestler Chiyoshoma. Ranked No. 17, Terunofuji is making his return to the elite makuuchi division after his career was derailed by injuries.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Tokyo Day 5: Hakuho, Asanoyama stay undefeated in 5-way tie for lead
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 23 July 2020
Hits: 13

All-time championship record holder Hakuho and new ozeki Asanoyama stayed unbeaten at the front of the pack at the July Grand Sumo Tournament. The top-billed frontrunners share the lead with three other wrestlers at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Grand champion Hakuho, who is gunning for a record-extending 45th Emperor's Cup, moved to 5-0 by toppling No. 2 maegashira Onosho in the final bout of the day. Opening with a powerful shoulder-blast, the Mongolian-born yokozuna secured a left-hand outside belt grip that allowed him to easily down Onosho (0-5) with an overarm throw.

In one of the day's most entertaining bouts, Asanoyama fought his way out of trouble against an aggressive and determined No. 3 Kiribayama.

From a strong opening jump, Kiribayama (1-4) took a two-handed belt grip to force the ozeki into a defensive position. But Asanoyama showed patience and tactical awareness as he used his superior size and strength to hold his ground and wait out his opponent, eventually seizing an opening to muscle him to the edge for a force out.

Sekiwake Mitakeumi stayed unbeaten with an overwhelming push-out victory over No. 1 Endo (1-4). The Nagano Prefecture native, who is aiming for his third top-level championship, flew out of the blocks and drove his opponent straight off the dohyo.

Highly touted top-division debutant, No. 15 Kotoshoho, extended his impressive unbeaten start to 5-0 by downing No. 12 Shohozan (0-5) with an armlock throw. No. 10 Myogiryu, who beat No. 13 Kotonowaka (3-2), is the other undefeated joint leader.

Demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki Takakeisho advanced to 4-1 with an unconvincing win against No. 3 Takarafuji (2-3). The 23-year-old powerhouse, who has been hampered by an injured left leg, was unable to generate his usual forward momentum and had his hands full before eventually slapping Takarafuji down.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Tokyo Day 6: Hakuho remains undefeated as leading group shrinks to 3
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 24 July 2020
Hits: 13

Yokozuna Hakuho scored an easy victory over No. 3 maegashira Takarafuji to remain among the undefeated leaders on Friday, the sixth day of the July Grand Sumo Tournament.

Before a small crowd prohibited from shouting to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus at the 15-day event at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, Hakuho rocked Takarafuji (2-4) back with his initial charge, wrapped up his arms and drove him out.

The win left the Mongolian-born master, who is seeking to extend his record for career championships to 45, tied with two others for the lead. Five wrestlers started the day with unblemished records, after makuuchi debutant Kotoshoho and No. 10 maegashira Myogiryu fell from the leading pack with their first losses.

New ozeki Asanoyama had little trouble improving to 6-0 by thwarting No. 2 Onosho's advances and forcing him out. Onosho had the ozeki by the throat from the get-go, but Asanoyama swatted the maegashira's hand away, seized a left-handed grip and took control against his winless opponent.

Sekiwake Mitakeumi had to work hard for his sixth win although it was never in doubt. The sekiwake kept komusubi Okinoumi (3-3) off his belt and shoved him backward. As he retreated, Okinoumi tried to wrench and twist the sekiwake off balance, but Mitakeumi kept his feet and took advantage of his opponent's momentum to thrust him down.

Ozeki Takakeisho, who is coming off a losing record and needs eight wins in Tokyo to fight as an ozeki in September, suffered his second defeat. The ozeki appeared to have the early advantage against Kiribayama (2-4), but the No. 3 maegashira escaped his grasp and eventually forced him over the straw.

No. 10 Myogiryu suffered his first defeat, coming out second-best in a slapping and shoving contest with Mongolian No. 9 Tamawashi (5-1).

Twenty-year-old No. 15 Kotoshoho (5-1) squared off against 28-year-old former ozeki Terunofuji (5-1), who had beaten him the last two times they faced each other in the second-tier juryo division, and the youngster fared no better this time.

Kotoshoho got an inside grip with his right hand but could not yank the veteran down, and Terunofuji bounced back from his first loss on Thursday by forcing Kotoshoho out.

Sekiwake Shodai stayed one back of the leaders by shoving out No. 1 Endo, who lost his grip as he was about to fling his opponent from the ring. After the wrestlers spun around, Shodai recovered his balance more quickly and Endo, who was backed up against the straw, was easy pickings.

In a duel between former ozeki, No. 11 maegashira Tochinoshin (4-2) twice jumped the gun before seizing a left-handed outside grip and throwing No. 14 Kotoshogiku (4-2) to the clay. The loss prevented Kotoshogiku from earning his 713th career makuuchi victory. He is now tied for seventh all-time with former yokozuna Harumafuji.

Swami

 

[Michelle Stevens]

The Shodai/Endo match was fun to watch. Shodai was lucky for his quick recovery. I'm glad Mitakeumi is doing well thus far.

Shohozan finally gets a win. He's been falling fast in the past few bashos.

 

[Swami]

The Shodai/Endo match was fun to watch. Shodai was lucky for his quick recovery. I'm glad Mitakeumi is doing well thus far.

Shohozan finally gets a win. He's been falling fast in the past few bashos.

Yes, Shohozan is nearing retirement, although it depends if he wants to carry on in Juryo for a while.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Tokyo Day 7: Hakuho, Asanoyama remain in 3-way tie for lead
Details
Written by Kyodo
Published: 25 July 2020
Hits: 11

Yokozuna Hakuho and new ozeki Asanoyama earned their seventh straight wins at the July Grand Sumo Tournament and remain in a three-way tie for the lead after one week of action.

In the final bout of Day 7 at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, Hakuho delivered a left-handed slap and right-shoulder charge to No. 3 maegashira Kiribayama (2-5) before latching onto the top-division rookie's belt and hurling him off the dohyo.

Earlier, Asanoyama easily dispatched No. 3 Takarafuji (2-5) to remain undefeated in his ozeki debut. Asanoyama blocked Takarafuji's first shove, then dropped low and steadily drove the maegashira out.

The other overnight co-leader, Mitakeumi (7-0), benefited from the sudden withdrawal of his Day 7 opponent, No. 5 Abi (3-4), who was pulled from the meet by his Shikoroyama stablemaster as a precaution after dining out with guests in Tokyo on Friday night.

Shikoroyama apologized for the untimely gaff during NHK's broadcast, explaining that it runs counter to measures put in place by the Japan Sumo Association aimed at mitigating the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus, including prohibiting wrestlers from going outdoors in general.

The July tournament was moved from its normal location in Nagoya to Tokyo to limit travel during the 15-day meet, before the capital began to see a steep rise in infections.

Shodai (6-1) defeated Aoiyama (3-4) to stay in the fight for the year's third Emperor's Cup. The Bulgarian had Shodai on the ropes and nearly bulldozed him out twice, but some fancy footwork helped Shodai escape and avoid a second loss.

Takakeisho improved to 5-2 and now needs three more wins to keep his position at sumo's second-highest rank. The demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki slipped around Kagayaki (3-4) and thrust him down as Kagayaki's momentum carried him past.

Daieisho (4-3) came out on top in a komusubi showdown with Okinoumi (3-4). Okinoumi plowed Daieisho back with a strong initial charge, but Okinoumi secured a hold on Daieisho's belt and muscled him over the straw.

Among the rank-and-file, No. 17 Terunofuji, No. 15 Kotoshoho and No. 10 Myogiryu all prevailed on Day 7 to remain one win off the pace.

No. 9 Tamawashi (5-2) fell further down the leaderboard after being outmaneuvered by No. 6 Enho (4-3). The Mongolian grappler had the division's lightweight wrapped up tight but Enho held his ground and shoved Tamawashi out.

No. 14 Kotoshogiku (5-2) defeated No. 16 Nishikigi (2-5) to amass his 713th career win in the elite makuuchi division. The former ozeki is seventh on the all-time list. He had been tied for seventh on 712 wins with former yokozuna Harumafuji.

Swami

 

[Michelle Stevens]

I am amazed with how Enho beat Tamawashi. Shodai's footwork was very good too in his match with Aoiyama.

Onosho and Yutakayama are really off so far in this basho. Onosho just can't compete with these top ranked rikishi at this point.

 

[Swami]

Another withdrawal (due to injury), Kotonowaka injured his left knee on day 7.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Tokyo Day 8: Hakuho and Asanoyama remain flawless in two-way tie
Details
Written by Kyodo
Published: 26 July 2020
Hits: 15

The tournament's lone remaining yokozuna and the first-time ozeki stayed unbeaten as sekiwake Mitakeumi lost his share of the lead with his first defeat.

Hakuho fended off a spirited attack from No. 4 maegashira Kagayaki (3-5) in the final bout of Day 8 at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan before slapping the rank-and-filer down to the clay.

Asanoyama collected his eighth win by beating No. 4 Aoiyama (3-5). The Bulgarian initially put up a fight but was quickly subdued after Asanoyama latched onto his belt and calmly drove him out.

Shodai (7-1) prevailed in a sekiwake showdown with Mitakeumi and handed the overnight co-leader his first loss of the tournament. Mitakeumi tried to shove his opponent back with a strong initial charge, but Shodai raised Mitakeumi up by his right arm and then thrust his opponent down when he was off balance.

In other bouts, Takakeisho (5-3) was quickly slapped down by No. 5 Hokutofuji (5-3). The demotion-threatened kadoban ozeki’s initial shove missed the mark as Hokutofuji slipped to the side and smacked him to the ground.

Komusubi Okinoumi (4-4) ended a three-match losing streak by defeating No. 1 Endo (2-6). Okinoumi kept Endo from getting a hold on his belt and shoved him over the straw.

The other komusubi, Daieisho, also improved to 5-3 with a rear push-out victory over No. 2 Onosho (0-8), who faces demotion in September’s grand tournament after falling to a losing record.

Of the four wrestlers who entered Day 8 with a 6-1 record, only Shodai and No. 17 Terunofuji were able to stay one win off the pace. Terunofuji, a former ozeki, muscled out No. 16 Nishikigi (2-6) to kick off the day’s elite-division bouts.

Makuuchi division newcomer, No. 15 Kotoshoho, and No. 10 Myogiryu fell further out of contention after losing to No. 12 Sadanoumi (4-4) and No. 15 Chiyomaru (2-6), respectively.

No. 14 Kotoshogiku (6-2) defeated No. 8 Chiyotairyu (3-5) and earned his 714th top-division win. The former ozeki is now tied for sixth all-time with retired yokozuna Kisenosato.



Two kyujo rikishi
Earlier on Sunday, the Japan Sumo Association revealed that No. 5 Abi, who was pulled out of the meet on Day 7 after dining out in Tokyo and violating the JSA’s regulations, underwent an antigen test for the novel coronavirus and returned a negative result.

Wrestlers have been ordered to refrain from going out during the 15-day tournament, which was shifted from its traditional Nagoya location to Tokyo to reduce the added risk of infection that comes with travel.

No. 13 Kotonowaka (4-4) also withdrew on Sunday, becoming the third top-tier wrestler to leave the meet after yokozuna Kakuryu pulled out with right elbow pain on Day 2. Kotonowaka’s stablemaster said the 22-year-old may return to the tournament — his second contested in the sport’s highest division — should he recover from a left knee injury sustained when he was thrust down by No. 10 Kaisei on Day 7.

Swami