J3 – Première défaite pour l’ôzeki Goeido

Grand champions Kakuryu and Hakuho both earned easy victories to stay undefeated on Tuesday, the third day of the 15-day Summer Grand Sumo Tournament.

In the day’s final bout at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan, Kakuryu (3-0) defeated Kaisei (0-3) for his 13th career win over the top-ranked maegashira in as many matches.

The yokozuna, gunning for his first back-to-back championship, used his lightning speed and muscle to outwrestle the Brazilian, who boasts a 45-kilogram weight advantage. A well-timed slap allowed Kakuryu to get a solid hold on Kaisei’s belt and ease him backwards from the ring.

Hakuho (3-0), the only other grand champion here, stayed perfect after easily defeating No. 2 maegashira Shohozan (0-3). The Mongolian yokozuna got the upper hand on the initial charge and quickly bulldozed the maegashira out of the ring.

Endo (2-1) delivered a first loss to ozeki Goeido (2-1) to even their records. The komusubi earned the upper hand when Goeido slipped, allowing Endo to swing him down by the shoulders.

Tochinoshin (3-0) showcased his brute strength and tactical maneuvering in a collision with Tamawashi (0-3). The sekiwake attempted to steamroll his larger opoponent from the ring, but reversed tactics after the No. 1 maegashira held strong.

Georgian Tochinoshin, who won his maiden championship in January, eventually prevailed after twisting Tamawashi around on the ropes and slapping him down to a third straight defeat.

Sekiwake Ichinojo (3-0) narrowly earned a victory over Daieisho (0-3) after referees ruled that the No. 3 maegashira’s hands touched the ground before the Mongolian sekiwake was forced over the straw by his opponent’s falling charge.

Mitakeumi (2-1) got the better of No. 2 Abi (0-3) in their first career bout when the recently-demoted komusubi landed a winning shove after relentlessly chasing the hopping maegashira around the ring.

Only four lower-ranked wrestlers remain undefeated after three days of action, including No. 4 Shodai, No. 5 Ikioi, No. 10 Okinoumi, and No. 12 Asanoyama.

Written by Kyodo