2017 Hatsu Basho.

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Hatsu Day 1: Mongolian yokozuna off to winning start

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Created on Sunday, 08 January 2017 11:48
Written by Kyodo

Sumo's three Mongolian yokozuna had convincing wins on Sunday as the 15-day New Year Grand Sumo Tournament got under way before Japan's emperor and empress.

Kakuryu, who won his third career title in most-recent November tourney, was never troubled against Tochinoshin, latching onto a left overarm belt hold before sending the Georgian komusubi sprawling with a pulling throw for his 20th win in their career 21 meetings.

Fit-again Hakuho, looking to add to his record 37 championships, would have expected a tougher challenge from Shodai, but the new sekiwake was too passive on the tachiai. Hakuho's charge easily stood Shodai up and as he teetered, the yokozuna pulled him forward to defeat.

Harumafuji showed incisiveness in dispatching Takayasu, quickly moving to the right after wrapping both his arms around the komusubi's left arm, swivelling before lunging in low in a one-sided bout.

Ozeki Kisenosato, who had the most wins last year but has yet to win a grand tournament championship and stumbled when a yokozuna promotion was his for the taking, started the year well. He eased to a left underarm belt hold against top-ranked maegashira Takarafuji and grappled him out.

Kotoshogiku won his maiden championship here a year ago but will be demoted from ozeki should he post a losing record this month. He also made a decent start to the tourney, keeping up with Mongolian No. 2 maegashira Arawashi's movements to steer him out in their first career meeting.

Two other ozeki were dealt early blows, however, with No. 1 maegashira Mitakeumi claiming his first win over ozeki Goeido in their third career bout.

No. 2 maegahira Shohozan took the scalp of ozeki Terunofuji, charging low and sticking in both his arms to destabilize the injury-hit Mongolian before securing a force-out win.

New sekiwake Tamawashi, who reached sumo's third-highest rank at the age of 32, had a positive start after he gave powerful push to the throat of No. 3 maegashira Okinoumi before shoving him out.

Egyptian Osunaarashi earned his first makuuchi-division win since May with a slick last-ditch reversal. With his heels up against the straw, the No. 16 maegashira lifted up makuuchi debutant No. 15 Chiyoo before pivoting and depositing his opponent outside the ring.

Takakeisho made his makuuchi debut at No. 12 maegashira after winning the second-tier juryo division in November, but also got off to a losing start as he fell to No. 11 Nishikigi.

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Hatsu Day 2: Giant killer Mitakeumi downs yokozuna Harumafuji

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Created on Monday, 09 January 2017 11:09
Written by Kyodo

Yokozuna Harumafuji became the first big name to fall at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday, suffering an upset second-day loss to No. 1 maegashira Mitakeumi.

A day after knocking off ozeki Goeido, Mitakeumi got the better of a sloppy bout with Harumafuji (1-1). "I'm happy to have won," Mitakeumi said. "I was a little slow on the tachiai, but I managed to maintain my poise throughout. I've done well over two days to wrestle the way I'm capable."

Although Harumafuji paid the price for his carelessness, his fellow Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho and Kakuryu both survived scares, while only one of four ozeki wrestlers, Kisenosato, heads into the third day with a perfect record in the 15-day tourney at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Top-ranked maegashira Takarafuji (0-2) managed to push Hakuho to the brink of defeat, but lacking a belt hold could not finish the job before the yokozuna countered and won by forceout.

Kakuryu was declared the winner by ringside judges after he was thrown from the ring by No. 2 maegashira Shohozan (1-1). Although both wrestlers had left their feet, which typically results in a do-over, Shohozan landed outside the ring first.

Shodai, whose path to sumo's third-highest rank was one of the quickest in the sport's history, earned his first win as a sekiwake by outlasting No. 2 maegashira Arawashi (0-2).

A day after offering little resistance to Hakuho, the 25-year-old Shodai (1-1) refused to be shoved out despite getting forced back to the straw and eventually levered his opponent out.

The other new sekiwake Tamawashi failed to improve on his opening-day win despite an auspicious start against Kisenosato (2-0). Tamawashi's charge rocked Kisenosato back, but the sekiwake lost control, glanced off the ozeki's right shoulder and shot past him. Kisenosato turned on a dime and pushed the helpless Tamawashi out to improve to 8-0 in his career against the Mongolian.

Ozeki Kotoshogiku, who won last year's New Year tourney, looked on his way to a textbook force out when No. 3 maegashira Okinoumi (1-1) perfectly timed an armlock throw to tip the ozeki over to his first defeat. After a losing record in November, Kotoshogiku needs eight wins here to avoid relegation to sekiwake.

Former sekiwake Takayasu earned his first win, battling ozeki Terunofuji to a standstill on the tachiai before grabbing him by the shoulder and dragging him down to his second defeat.

Ozeki Goeido evened his record at 1-1 by grabbing a left-handed over-arm belt hold against hard-charging Georgian komusubi Tochinoshin and throwing him to his second loss.

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Hatsu Day 3: Kisenosato remains among New Year leaders at 3-0

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Created on Tuesday, 10 January 2017 12:04
Written by Kyodo

Hakuho, looking to win his first grand sumo tournament since last May, stayed perfect in the 15-day event at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan as did Mongolian countryman and fellow yokozuna Kakuryu. Five maegashira wrestlers also improved to 3-0.

Kisenosato, who is seeking his first career championship, posted an easy win over No. 2 maegashira Arawashi (0-3). The ozeki's charge knocked Arawashi off balance and Kisenosato had little trouble forcing him from the ring.

After back-to-back wins over an ozeki and a yokozuna, 24-year-old, top-ranked maegashira Mitakeumi (2-1) offered little resistance to Hakuho. The yokozuna backed him to the straw with his initial charge and forced him out.

Kakuryu improved to 11-1 in his career against Takarafuji (0-3). Repeated shoves to the throat and jaw forced the top-ranked maegashira back to the straw on the tachiai, and from there he was easily dismissed.

A day after an unlucky defeat to Kakuryu, No. 2 maegashira Shohozan (2-1) collected Harumafuji's scalp. It was the second straight day in which the yokozuna, who fell to 1-2, lost the plot after a half-hearted attempt to throw his opponent and ended up being forced out of the ring.

Kotoshogiku, needing eight wins at this tournament to retain his premier ozeki status, earned his second, calmly throwing komusubi Tochinoshin (0-3). After the ozeki failed to force the Georgian out in one go, he took a half-step back and finished the bout with a nifty beltless arm throw.

Mongolian ozeki Terunofuji caught a break to earn his first win when No. 3 maegashira Okinoumi (1-2) clumsily lost his balance and could not regain it before he was out of the ring.

Takayasu (2-1) dug in his heels and turned the tables on Goeido (1-2), who failed to charge the komusubi out of the ring on the tachiai. When Goeido shifted his weight to take a different approach, Takayasu grabbed a left-hand underarm hold and used it to tip his opponent over for his second straight win over an ozeki.

Tamawashi (2-1) earned bragging rights in the battle between newly promoted sekiwake with a win over Shodai (1-2). The 32-year-old Tamawashi got Shodai by the throat on the tachiai to stand him up. The 25-year-old Shodai appeared clueless from that point on and was easily shoved backward out of the ring.

No. 15 maegashira Chiyoo earned his maiden makuuchi victory, improving to 1-2 after shoving out No. 13 Gagamaru (1-2). However, No. 12 maegashira Takakeisho, the juryo-division winner in November, remained winless in the top flight after being thrust down by No. 11 Kagayaki (1-2).

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Hatsu Day 4: Kisenosato remains in 5-way share of lead

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Created on Wednesday, 11 January 2017 11:40
Written by Kyodo

Kisenosato momentarily appeared to have suffered his first loss at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament as the referee erroneously declared his opponent the winner of their bout Wednesday but the decision was soon corrected to give the ozeki a 4-0 record.

The only one among four ozeki without a loss so far in the 15-day meet at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, Kisenosato shares the lead with yokozuna Hakuho and three maegashira wrestlers.

The 30-year-old Kisenosato, looking for his first championship in the makuuchi division, circled around the dohyo in a bear hug with Shohozan (2-2) before twisting No. 2 maegashira down at the edge of the raised ring.

The referee of the match initially pointed his fan toward Shohozan's side but immediately signaled Kisenosato as his intended winner. Ringside judges then discussed the matter and affirmed the corrected decision.

After two false starts, Hakuho and komusubi Tochinoshin (0-4) got into a tussle before the Mongolian grand champion edged out the Georgian. Hakuho now has a 24-0 career record against Tochinoshin.

China's No. 10 maegashira Sokokurai withstood forceful charges from ninth-ranked Kaisei (2-2), who is 10 centimeters taller and about 50 kilograms heavier than he, and executed an overarm throw to keep his perfect record and even his career record with the Brazilian to 2-2.

Takanoiwa also remains without a blemish as the No. 10 maegashira had little trouble with Chiyonokuni (2-2), easily thrusting down the eighth-ranked maegashira.

In a bout between rank-and-file grapplers with 3-0 records, 15th-ranked Sadanoumi edged out No. 16 maegashira Osunaarashi, sending the Egyptian to his first loss of the tourney.

Among eight grapplers at a pace off, top maegashira Mitakeumi notched his second win from a yokozuna this week as he edged out Kakuryu (3-1), claiming his first victory over the Mongolian in three matchups.

No. 6 maegashira Chiyoshoma pulled fifth-ranked Takekaze down by the arm, putting both wrestlers at 3-1. The Mongolian has won all three meetings against Takekaze.

Two ozeki stand at 2-2, Goeido defeating top maegashira Takarafuji (0-4) and Kotoshogiku, set to face demotion to sekiwake with a losing record here, falling to sekiwake Shodai (2-2).

In the penultimate match, yokozuna Harumafuji (2-2) beat No. 2 maegashhira Arawashi (0-4).

Ishiura, who made headlines for driving to Ryogoku Kokugikan in a McLaren sports car Tuesday, got his first win, the diminutive No. 9 maegashira shoving out 11th-ranked Kagayaki (1-3).

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Hatsu Day 5: Kisenosato and Hakuho battle to keep share of lead

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Created on Thursday, 12 January 2017 14:23
Written by Kyodo

Ozeki Kisenosato and yokozuna Hakuho were forced to work hard for their wins Thursday to remain in a five-way lead at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.

On the fifth day of the 15-day tourney, Kisenosato survived the powerful shoves of Mitakeumi (3-2), who has so far defeated two yokozuna and an ozeki, and finished the top maegashira off by edging him out of the ring at Ryogoku Kokugikan.

In the penultimate bout, Hakuho suffered a scare as he almost lost balance while trying to catch Shohozan (2-3), who also beat a yokozuna and ozeki at the ongoing meet, but the Mongolian grand champion managed to thrust the second-ranked maegashira down at the edge.

Kisenosato improved his record against Mitakeumi to 3-0, while Hakuho has won all 12 meetings with Shohozan.

Rank-and-filers Sadanoumi, Sokokurai and Takanoiwa all posted their fifth straight wins in consecutive bouts early in the makuuchi division.

No. 15 maegashira Sadanoumi bulldozed out 11th-ranked Nishikigi (2-3) for his first head-to-head victory in their fourth meeting.

Tenth-ranked Sokokurai from China's Inner Mongolia twirled down 14th-ranked Chiyotairyu (2-3) with an underarm throw, and No. 10 maegashira Takanoiwa slapped 14th-ranked Chiyootori (1-4) by the shoulder and sent him falling forward.

While other yokozuna and ozeki have generally been lackluster at this tourney, Mongolian grand champion Harumafuji (3-2) won his second straight after losing two in a row by flipping third-ranked Okinoumi (2-3) over to his side.

Ozeki Goeido took little time to force out Arawashi in their first career match and picked up his third win while handing the No. 2 maegashira his fifth loss.

On the downside, Mongolian yokozuna Kakuryu took his second consecutive defeat, stumbling to the ground after his slap missed hard-shoving komusubi Takayasu. Both wrestlers stand at 3-2.

Demotion-threatened Kotoshogiku (2-3) fell to top maegashira Takarafuji (1-4), and fellow ozeki Terunofuji got his fourth loss at the hands of sekiwake Tamawashi (4-1) in a battle of Mongolian grapplers.

Top flight newcomer Takakeisho (1-4) got his maiden makuuchi win as the No. 12 maegashira shoved out 16th-ranked Egyptian Osunaarashi (3-2).

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Hatsu Day 6: Solid Hakuho, Kisenosato share lead

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Created on Friday, 13 January 2017 16:53
Written by Super User

Yokozuna Hakuho and ozeki Kisenosato showed convincing outings to maintain their perfect records on the sixth day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Friday, when three rank-and-filers lost ground with their first defeats.

Hakuho won his 18th bout in 19 meetings against Okinoumi (2-4), halting the No. 3 maegashira's charge with a firm tachiai before easily steering his counterpart out at Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Kisenosato kept up the pace with a composed win over Shodai (3-3), wrapping up the new sekiwake's left arm with his right before grappling him out for his fourth win in their fifth career meet.

No. 15 maegashira Sadanoumi lost for his first time in the 15-day tourney earlier in the day, stepping over the straw bales trying to thrust down division-debutant and 12th-ranked maegashira Takakeisho (2-4).

Mongolian 10th-ranked maegashira Takanoiwa was turned sideways and got thrust out by No. 8 Hokutofuji (5-1), while Sokokurai from China's Inner Mongolia did well to recover his ground but was slapped down by 8th-ranked Chiyonokuni (4-2), the No. 10 maegashira also succumbing to his first loss.

Yokozuna Harumafuji, who hurt his right thigh a day earlier, won his fourth bout of the tourney against Mongolian compatriot Tamawashi (4-2), crushing out the new sekiwake who desperately tried to stay alive at the edge.

In another battle of Mongolians, November tourney champ Kakuryu slumped to his third straight loss, giving No. 2 maegashira Arawashi his first win of the meet and first career victory against a yokozuna.

Arawashi quickly grabbed Kakuryu's belt with his left arm and spun around to leave his opponent leaning backward before pushing him off the ring.

Injury-plagued ozeki Terunofuji earned his second win after the Mongolian pulled down No. 4 maegashira Tochiozan to his fifth loss of the tournament, while ozeki Goeido (4-2) came out on top of No. 2 maegashira Shohozan (2-4), claiming a force-out win after exchanging slaps.

After defeating two yokozuna and an ozeki this month, No. 1 maegashira Mitakeumi (4-2) took the scalp of ozeki Kotoshogiku (2-4), this time to continue his strong start. Mitakeumi was slapped off the initial charge but quickly got on the front foot to oust Kotoshogiku, who will be demoted to sekiwake with eight losses here.

Takayasu (4-2) won on default after fellow komusubi Tochinoshin pulled out of the tournament with a right knee injury. The Georgian, who suffered the injury a day earlier against Shodai, is ruled out for two weeks and leaves the tourney without a single win.

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Tochinoshin injures knee, withdraws from New Year Sumo

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Created on Friday, 13 January 2017 16:52
Written by Kyodo

Komusubi-ranked Tochinoshin said Friday he has withdrawn from the ongoing New Year Grand Sumo Tournament after injuring his right knee.

The 29-year-old Georgian in sumo's fourth highest rank said he was told by doctors he would need to sit out the Jan. 8-22 tournament after suffering a meniscus injury in a bout against sekiwake Shodai on the fifth day of action at Ryogoku Kokugikan.

On Thursday, Shodai defeated Tochinoshin by executing an abisetaoshi force-down technique, sending him off the ring with his fifth loss in as many bouts.

"My ligaments aren't torn but inflamed. It was bothering me before the basho," said Tochinoshin, on crutches.

It is the sixth time in his career that Tochinoshin is withdrawing from a tournament and first since he pulled out of the New Year tourney in 2014 due to a right knee injury.

Fellow komusubi Takayasu, whom he was scheduled to face on Friday, wins by forfeit.

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Yokozuna Harumafuji out of New Year meet with pulled hamstring

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Created on Saturday, 14 January 2017 11:16
Written by Kyodo

Mongolian yokozuna Harumafuji withdrew from the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday with a pulled right hamstring.

Harumafuji was hurt during his day five win over No. 3 maegashira Okinoumi before going on to win his bout against compatriot and sekiwake Tamawashi on Friday. His stable says the 32-year-old is ruled out of action for a month.

"He can't do stampings and is barely walking. He can't wrestle if he can't walk," stablemaster Isegahama said.

Harumafuji's day seven opponent, another No. 3 maegashira Ikioi, will win by default and the yokozuna ends the tourney with a 4-3 record.

Harumafuji, who last withdrew from a tournament in September 2015, fails to complete a tournament for the seventh time in his career and for the fifth time since his promotion to the highest rank in the lead-in to a November 2012 competition.

Harumafuji is the second wrestler to leave the year-opening tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan after Georgian komusubi Tochinoshin was sidelined a day earlier with a right knee injury.

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Hatsu Day 7: Steady Kisenosato maintains lead with Hakuho

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Created on Saturday, 14 January 2017 13:40
Written by Kyodo

Ozeki Kisenosato and yokozuna Hakuho took different paths to maintain their share of the lead on Saturday, the seventh day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.

Kisenosato's barge and drive proved too much for No. 4 maegashira Tochiozan (1-6), who looked to have matched the ozeki on the initial charge at Ryogoku Kokugikan but was immediately bulldozed out of the ring. Kisenosato seems well-placed for a run at his first championship at the 15-day tournament.

On a day when fellow Mongolian yokozuna Harumafuji pulled out with a hamstring injury, Hakuho downed compatriot Tamawashi to make it seven out of seven after he was initially forced on to the back foot and needed to make two dodging moves. After an exchange of slaps with the gutsy new sekiwake, the yokozuna succeeded in sidestepping another charge from Tamawashi who overstepped to bring a premature end to the bout.

Kakuryu had to work hard to stop his three-day losing streak after No. 3 maegashira Okinoumi (2-5) survived a flurry of throws and a foot sweep from the yokozuna. Okinoumi seemed to have made the most of Kakuryu's exhaustion as he charged forward, but the Mongolian barely executed a pulling overarm throw to snatch a narrow win.

Harumafuji, who was hurt during his win on the fifth day and also wrestled to win on Friday, ends the meets with a 4-3 record as No. 3 maegashira Ikioi (5-2) was handed a win by default.

Three rank-and-filers all bounced back from sixth-day defeats to stay a win behind the leaders. No. 10 maegashira Takanoiwa and 13th-ranked Ichinojo entered with 5-1 records, and it was Takanoiwa who secured the force-out win in the battle of in-form Mongolians.

No. 15 maegashira Sadanoumi ousted 12th-ranked Daishomaru (2-5) for his sixth win, while No. 10 Sokokurai from China's Inner Mongolia also secured his sixth win after grappling out top-flight debutant Chiyoo (2-5).

Up-and-coming No. 1 maegashira Mitakeumi (4-3) had beaten two yokozuna and ozeki each so far but fell to ozeki Terunofuji (3-4) in the last of his seven straight bouts against the sport's top two ranks. Mitakeumi did well but the Mongolian locked up his arms before pushing him off the raised ring.

Goeido (5-2) had a strong charge before he was dodged and left wobbling by Shodai's pulling overarm throw, but shoved the new sekiwake over the straw bales.

Kotoshogiku (2-5) needs eight wins here to retain his ozeki status but was dealt another blow in that bid, falling to a well-timed hand pull down from komusubi Takayasu (5-2) for his fourth straight loss of the tourney.

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Hatsu Day 8: Hakuho shocker leaves Kisenosato alone at the top

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Created on Sunday, 15 January 2017 14:21
Written by Kyodo

Yokozuna Hakuho suffered a stunning upset, handing ozeki Kisenosato the sole lead on Sunday as the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament passed the half-way mark after eight days.

Hakuho, looking to extend his record career championship haul to 38, entered the day with Kisenosato as one of just two unbeaten wrestlers in the 15-day tourney at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, but No. 2 maegashira Arawashi (2-6) deflected his fellow Mongolian's lightning-quick charge and forced him out.

The loss left Kisenosato alone with an 8-0 record. Despite racking up more wins last year than any other wrestler, Kisenosato remains in the hunt for his first career championship. Although he looked extremely solid through the first week, he nearly slipped up on Sunday.

The 31-year-old ozeki survived a scare during his prolonged effort to twist Okinoumi (2-6) down. Before the third-ranked maegashira hit the dirt, the wrestlers' centrifugal motion nearly carried the ozeki out first. Only some nimble footwork from Kisenosato allowed him to skirt the straw bales and remain undefeated.

Hakuho was joined at 7-1 by both 10th-ranked maegashira: Takanoiwa from Mongolia and Sokokurai from Chinese Inner Mongolia. Takanoiwa overpowered No. 7 maegashira Myogiryu (2-6), while Sokokurai shoved out No. 12 Daishomaru (2-6).

Komusubi Takayasu, who started the day as one of the two wrestlers in the top ranks with only two losses, was the deserved loser after a strong but unimaginative tachiai. Top-ranked maegashira Mitakeumi (5-3) was forced back to the straw with a stiff arm to his throat, but wiggled out, turned the tables on the komusubi and forced him out.

Goeido also slipped to his third loss against rival ozeki Terunofuji, who evened his record at 4-4. Despite being less mobile due to his bad knees, the Mongolian ably kept Goeido off his belt on the tachiai. Goeido responded by trying to get around his opponent but lost his footing in the process and saw his record drop to 5-3.

Kotoshogiku, a year removed from a championship here, took another step toward demotion. The ozeki looked wobbly from the start in his loss to No. 2 maegashira Shohozan (3-5), who twisted him down to his sixth loss.

After a losing record in November, Kotoshogiku needs to win six of his last seven bouts to remain an ozeki for the next grand sumo tournament in March.

Yokozuna Kakuryu made short work of sekiwake debutant Shodai, improving to 5-3 with a shove out that sent the youngster to his fifth loss.

Thirty-two-year-old "new" sekiwake Tamawashi (5-3) got the better of No. 1 maegashira Takarafuji, pulling him down to a fifth loss.

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Hatsu Day 9: Kisenosato handed 1st loss as Hakuho slumps to 2nd straight defeat

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Created on Monday, 16 January 2017 18:35
Written by Kyodo

Ozeki Kisenosato surrendered his lead at the top of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, but Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho also fell for his second straight defeat on Monday, the tourney's ninth day.

Ozeki Kotoshogiku (3-6), who will be demoted from the second-highest rank should he post a losing record at Ryogoku Kokugikan, forced Kisenosato out to his first loss after a solid charge and trademark grapple, in which he batters his opponents with his torso.

But Hakuho missed the chance to move back into a share of the lead as he went down to Takayasu (6-3), failing to deal with the lunge from the komusubi before he was chased around the ring and pushed out.

No. 10 Takanoiwa is now tied with Kisenosato at the top after he secured his eighth victory and a winning record with a defeat of No. 7 Aoiyama (4-5). The Bulgarian thrust the Mongolian to the edge, but lost his balance and was slapped down to the floor.

No. 2 Ikioi is one of five wrestlers at 7-2 after he completed the day of major shocks with a win over yokozuna Kakuryu, pushing out the Mongolian in an emphatic outing.

Sokokurai (7-2), from China's Inner Mongolia, could also have moved into a tie for the lead but lost in a surprisingly tame bout, Mongolian No. 13 Ichinojo (7-2) overwhelming the No. 10 maegashira in a force-out win.

No. 8 maegashira Hokutofuji is the other wrestler with a 7-2 mark after he pushed out No. 4 maegashira and fan-favorite Endo (4-5).

Mongolian No. 2 maegashira Arawashi followed up his win against Hakuho a day earlier with another scalp off his high-ranked compatriot, flooring ozeki Terunofuji (4-5) with a right overarm throw for his third win of the tourney.

Ozeki Goeido earned his sixth win after he wrapped up No. 3 Okinoumi (2-7) and wheeled him out.

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Hatsu Day 10: Kisenosato regains New Year sumo lead

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Created on Tuesday, 17 January 2017 18:54
Written by Kyodo

Kisenosato kept his cool and reclaimed the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament lead on Tuesday, the 10th day of the 15-day basho.

A day after suffering his first loss, Kisenosato (9-1) was tested again by rival ozeki Terunofuji (4-6), who was strong if not dominant. As the two skirmished, Kisenosato avoided any rash attack that might have left him vulnerable and settled for gradually steering his opponent to the ring's edge for a force out.

The victory, and a loss by low-ranked maegashira Takanoiwa, left Kisenosato leading by one win over four wrestlers, including yokozuna Hakuho. Despite repeatedly being a candidate for promotion to yokozuna, Kisenosato has yet to win a grand sumo tournament.

In the day's final bout at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, Hakuho met No. 3 maegashira Ikioi (7-3) at mid-ring on the tachiai and got the better of a slap battle. When Ikioi made a desperate lunge for the yokozuna's belt, Hakuho thrust him down.

Yokozuna Kakuryu was crushed out to his fifth loss, unable to cope with a superb charge from Mongolian countryman Tamawashi (6-4). The new sekiwake's ferocious tachiai left the yokozuna reeling with no hope of recovery.

Despite a stirring win over Kisenosato on Monday, Kotoshogiku (3-7) could not keep pace with Goeido (7-3) in the other all-ozeki clash. Having suffered a losing record in November's grand tournament, Kotoshogiku needs eight wins to retain his elite status as an ozeki and can afford only one more loss.

No. 10 Takanoiwa suffered his second defeat in the early going as he was felled by a pull-down move from No. 14 Chiyotairyu (5-5). The other No. 10, Sokokurai, moved up to 8-2 by forcing out No. 16 maegashira Osunaarashi (3-7), outlasting the Egyptian in a marathon struggle.

Mongolian Ichinojo won the makuuchi division's first bout of the day, improving to 8-2 at the expense of fellow No. 15 Sadanoumi (6-4).

A day after an upset win over Hakuho, komusubi Takayasu (7-3) had an easy time against top-ranked maegashira Takarafuji, who paid the price for an unimaginative tachiai and fell to 3-7.

The other No. 1, Mitakeumi, improved to 7-3, winning an entertaining bout with Shodai. The sekiwake debutant saved his bacon once with a clever spin move but it was not enough to avoid falling to 4-6.

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Hatsu Day 11: Kisenosato keeps slim lead, Kakuryu out

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Created on Wednesday, 18 January 2017 20:23
Written by Kyodo

Perennial bridesmaid Kisenosato dug himself out of a hole to keep his one-win advantage, while Kakuryu became the second yokozuna to withdraw from the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Wednesday, the 11th day of the 15-day basho.

Ozeki Kisenosato (10-1) stayed on course for an elusive first title, but only after very nearly coming a cropper in the day's penultimate bout against fourth-ranked maegashira Endo (5-6).

Endo got a right-handed grip on Kisenosato's belt but could not hold on and the ozeki turned the tables to floor him with a kotenage armlock throw.

Kisenosato, who despite repeatedly being a candidate for promotion to yokozuna has yet to win a grand sumo tournament, stayed one clear of Mongolian grand champion Hakuho and rank-and-filers Ichinojo, Sokokurai and Takanoiwa.

Hakuho rounded off the day's action by taking advantage of a lapse in concentration from compatriot Terunofuji (4-7) and forcing the ozeki out for the win.

The 31-year-old Kakuryu, who won the Kyushu title in November, has struggled at this tournament and lost his fifth bout on Tuesday.

Kakuryu's (5-6) exit comes after countryman and fellow grand champion Harumafuji withdrew from the 15-day meet with a hamstring injury on Saturday. Kakuryu forfeited Wedneday's scheduled bout against ozeki Kotoshogiku (4-7).

Kakuryu's stablemaster Izutsu said the yokozuna had hurt his left elbow in his second-day match against Shohozan and also complained of foot and neck issues.

"His condition is weak both in mind and body," said Izutsu. "After watching him wrestle on the 10th day (on Tuesday) I knew it would be impossible for him to carry on at this tournament."

Back on the raised ring, giant Mongolian No. 13 maegashira Ichinojo stayed within striking distance of the lead after marching out Egyptian No. 16 Osunaarashi in the day's opening bout in the top makuuchi division.

Osunaarashi looks set for an immediate return to the second-tier juryo division after being saddled with a majority of losses.

Chinese-born No. 10 maegashira Sokokurai also kept himself in the thick of the title race with a hard-fought yorikiri win over 12th-ranked Takakeisho (4-7), before Takanoiwa dodged a bullet to shove out sixth-ranked Chiyoshoma (5-6).

Ozeki Goeido (8-3) secured a winning record after squeaking out a victory with an overarm throw against third-ranked maegashira Ikioi (7-4).

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Hatsu Day 12: Kisenosato still on top at New Year basho

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Created on Thursday, 19 January 2017 19:03
Written by Kyodo

Looking to finally shed his tag as a nearly man after coming so close but failing to win the Emperor's Cup on numerous occasions, Kisenosato (11-1) did not have it all his own way against the third-ranked maegashira at Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Ikioi (7-5) put up a spirited effort but Kisenosato dug deep into his energy reserves and came up with the goods to improve to 14-0 against his opponent and remain one win clear with three days of the 15-day basho remaining.

Grand champion Hakuho and fellow Mongolians Ichinojo and Takanoiwa stayed one win back at 10-2.

Hakuho, the most successful wrestler in sumo history with 37 career championship titles, wrapped up the day's action with an easy hikiotoshi hand pull down against No. 4 maegashira Tochiozan (3-9).

Takanoiwa stayed in touch with Kisenosato with a blood-and-thunder win over Nishikigi (4-8), smashing him in the face at the charge and then dodging the No. 11 maegashira's swinging palm before forcing him over the bales.

Thirteenth-ranked Ichinojo, a former sekiwake, got a fright in his bout against eighth-ranked Hokutofuji (8-4) but charged back from the ridge to belly him out for an ultimately comfortable win.

But 10th-ranked Sokokurai (9-3) dropped out of the chasing pack as he was sent to his third defeat, sixth-ranked Chiyoshoma (6-6) putting the Chinese-born bruiser to the dirt with a pulling overarm throw.

In other bouts, towering Mongolian ozeki Terunofuji was condemned to a majority of losses after being slapped down to an eighth defeat by fifth-ranked maegashira Takekaze (8-4).

Goeido (8-4) then bit the dust in the following bout, the ozeki getting taken out by No. 4 maegashira Endo, who leveled his mark at 6-6.

Kisenosato emerged as the only ozeki to survive unscathed as Kotoshogiku, surprise winner of this tournament in 2016, was barged out to a losing 4-8 record by sekiwake Tamawashi (7-5) in the day's second-to-last bout.

Kotoshogiku's second straight losing mark means he will be demoted to sumo's third rank of sekiwake for the Spring tournament in March.

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Hatsu Day 13: Kisenosato keeps lead after Goeido pulls out

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Created on Friday, 20 January 2017 11:15
Written by Kyodo

Kisenosato's hopes of capturing a maiden championship title were given another boost after his scheduled opponent on Friday, fellow ozeki Goeido, withdrew from the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.

Goeido pulled out due to a right ankle injury, his stablemaster Sakaigawa said. The withdrawal earned Kisenosato a win by default, leaving him with a 12-1 record and still in sole possession of the lead with two days remaining at the 15-day basho at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Kisenosato is one win ahead of Mongolian grand champion Hakuho (11-2), who produced a clinical defeat of struggling ozeki Kotoshogiku (4-9) to keep his hopes of a record-extending 38th career title alive.

Mongolian rank-and-filers Ichinojo and Takanoiwa both lost and dropped out of a tie for second to share third at 10-3.

In the day's final bout, Hakuho soaked up Kotoshogiku's charge and took the ozeki down with a textbook shitatedashinage pulling underarm throw.

Kotoshogiku, who pulled off a major upset to win his first Emperor's Cup at this tournament in 2016, has suffered back-to-back losing records and is set for demotion to sekiwake for the Spring basho in March. He will need at least 10 wins at the next meet to return to ozeki.

Goeido got injured during his defeat to fourth-ranked maegashira Endo on Thursday. He pulls out of a grand tournament for the first time since the 2015 Summer basho.

"The pain is getting worse," said Goeido. "It's disappointing (to have to withdraw) but I just have to get (the injury) treated so I can be fit for the next tournament."

Sakaigawa said, "He (Goeido) is in no fit state to wrestle."

Back on the raised ring, 13th-ranked maegashira Ichinojo had no answer to a barrage of slaps and thrusts in his match against Chiyoshoma. Chiyoshoma finished the job with a katasukashi under-shoulder swing down move and improved to 7-6.

Takanoiwa then fell out of the chasing trio after losing his match against komusubi Takayasu. Takayasu got a firm left-handed grip on the back of Takanoiwa's belt and pulled him forward and down to the sandy surface by the back of the neck, leaving both men with 10-3 records.

Ozeki Terunofuji slumped to a ninth defeat when he was bumped out from behind by fourth-ranked maegashira Endo (7-6).

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Hatsu Day 14: Kisenosato clinches maiden title at New Year basho

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Created on Saturday, 21 January 2017 11:51
Written by Kyodo

Ozeki Kisenosato dispatched maegashira Ichinojo on Saturday and then cashed in on a slip-up by grand champion Hakuho to capture his long-awaited first championship at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.

After a near false start by No. 13 maegashira Ichinojo, Kisenosato (13-1) allowed his opponent to take the initiative at the charge but wasted little time in wrapping up the Mongolian behemoth and bundling him out of the ring on the penultimate day of action in the 15-day Tokyo meet.

The Tagonoura stable grappler sealed victory when nearest challenger Hakuho was sentenced to a stunning defeat in the day's finale against fellow Mongolian Takanoiwa, leaving both with 11-3 marks.

"I'm happy," said the 30-year-old Kisenosato, who has finally shed his tag as sumo's nearly man, having come close so often in the past to winning the title.

"I'll do my work properly until the end. Tomorrow's important," said a tearful Kisenosato, who did not watch Hakuho's bout. "I have nothing but gratitude to everyone (who has supported me)."

In a match between two wrestlers starting the day with 10-3 marks, Chinese No. 10 maegashira Sokokurai pulled off an upset by thrusting down komusubi Takayasu.

Top-ranked Mitakeumi pushed his win total into double figures, prevailing in a slugfest against eighth-ranked maegashira Hokutofuji, who dropped to 8-6.

Set for a drop to sekiwake from ozeki in March after back-to-back losing records, Kotoshogiku's tournament took another downward turn after the 2016 New Year champion was forced out by third-ranked Ikioi (8-6) and condemned to his 10th loss.

Mongolian ozeki Terunofuji (4-10) suffered the same fate in the following bout as he was marched out of the ring by debutant sekiwake Shodai (6-8).

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Hatsu Day 15: Kisenosato finally meets championship expectations

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Created on Sunday, 22 January 2017 10:40
Written by Kyodo

At 30 years of age, veteran ozeki Kisenosato has already carried a lifetime's worth of expectations on his shoulders, and on Saturday, he finally met them.

After repeatedly coming up just short of his first career grand tournament, Kisenosato used a tricky tachiai to dispose of huge Mongolian maegashira Ichinojo to improve to 13-1 in the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.

Kisenosato's failure to grasp the brass ring was often attributable to the strength of yokozuna Hakuho. But this time, entering the penultimate day at trailing by one win, the Mongolian master fell to his second loss as he was defeated by in-form countryman Takanoiwa.

Eager for sumo to have a Japanese grand champion in a sport dominated by Mongolians, Hakuho's loss clinched a championship for Kisenosato and whipped the crowd at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan into a frenzy.

The second youngest wrestler to make his debut in both the second-tier juryo division and the elite makuuchi division, Kisenosato raised fans' hopes further as a 22-year-old in 2009 by going 13-2 at the Summer tourney. Yet, every time he has officially been a candidate for promotion to yokozuna, Kisenosato has faltered, and last year led all wrestlers in upper-division wins without winning one grand tournament -- a feat achieved for the first time in history.

"He has blossomed at last," Japan Sumo Association Chairman Hakkaku said. "I guess nobody has won a championship recently after going through this much hardship."

Sumo elder Nishiiwa, the former sekiwake Wakanosato, said that being the only ozeki without a grand tournament title sparked his former stablemate.

"He's come this far step by step," Nishiiwa said. "And at long last he's arrived. To have the likes of Goeido and Kotoshogiku win championships before him must have frustrated him and lit a fire inside. Even having said that, he isn't finished."

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