J12 – Hakuho reste talonné par Hokutofuji et Okinoumi

Mongolian grand champion Hakuho made up for his previous day’s defeat by beating Mitakeumi at Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday, while the two ozeki lost to lower-ranked wrestlers.

Hakuho (11-1), the only yokozuna remaining in the 15-day meet, ushered sekiwake Mitakeumi (7-5) out of the ring in 2.1 seconds, the day’s shortest match at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

A day after suffering his lone defeat, to sekiwake Yoshikaze, Hakuho maintained his one-win lead over No. 12 maegashira Okinoumi and No. 3 Hokutofuji. Hakuho is aiming for a record-extending 40th career championship in a grand tournament where the other three yokozuna, Kisenosato, Kakuryu and Harumafuji, have all pulled out.

Okinoumi (10-2) overpowered 39-year-old No. 13 maegashira Aminishiki (7-5) in the day’s first bout. Aminishiki, the oldest wrestler to fight his way back into the elite makuuchi division, was forced back to the edge of the ring. He attempted to throw Okinoumi, but the 32-year-old held on tight and pushed his opponent out.

Meanwhile, Hokutofuji (10-2) defeated ozeki Takayasu (8-4) when he pulled his opponent forward in their third career encounter.

« I was able to win the way I imagined, » Hokutofuji said. « I’m in a really good shape this meet, so I will do my best in my remaining bouts. »

Fourth-ranked maegashira Ichinojo (8-4) secured his winning record by beating ozeki Goeido (7-5). The two wrestlers held each other’s belts in the center of the raised ring, but the Mongolian earned the victory with an overarm throw.

Fan-favorite No. 9 maegashira Endo won his sixth straight bout, defeating No. 15 Myogiryu (6-6) with a textbook « oshidashi » frontal push and is the only wrestler with a 9-3 record.

Fifth-ranked maegashira Arawashi (8-4) and top-ranked Takakeisho (8-4) secured winning records as they beat No. 10 Kaisei (7-5) and No. 1 Tamawashi (8-4), respectively.

Written by Kyodo