J4 – Hakuho invaincu pour son anniversaire

OSAKA (Kyodo) — Grand champion Hakuho celebrated his 35th birthday with a win over rank-and-filer Okinoumi on Wednesday, maintaining his perfect record at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament being held without spectators for the first time in the sport’s history.

In the day’s penultimate bout at Edion Arena Osaka, Hakuho improved to 4-0 after defeating No. 2 maegashira Okinoumi (1-3). The 15-day meet is being held behind closed doors as an emergency measure to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

Hakuho faced a stern challenge from the rank-and-filer as the two wrestlers locked up in a brief stalemate. The yokozuna, however, managed to get ahold of Okinoumi’s belt with both hands and lifted the 167-kilogram wrestler off the ground before throwing him out.

« I’m glad I was able to win today. I’ve been doing my best every single day of the meet, » said Hakuho, adding he is getting used to competing in the empty arena.

Making his return from an injury that caused him to pull out of the previous meet in January, Hakuho is tied with five other wrestlers as he continues his campaign for a record-extending 44th title in the top division.

Yokozuna Kakuryu (3-1), who suffered his first loss of the meet on Monday, survived a scare against struggling No. 1 maegashira Takayasu (0-4). The former ozeki started the bout in command and nearly pushed the yokozuna out twice, but was eventually thrust down.

Takayasu landed awkwardly on his left leg and was unable to leave the ring on his own power. He appeared to be in severe pain as he was taken away in a wheelchair, casting doubt on him remaining in the meet.

Meanwhile, sekiwake Asanoyama continued his strong bid for promotion to ozeki, the second highest rank in Japan’s ancient sport. Asanoyama won a hard-fought bout against komusubi Hokutofuji (2-2) to maintain his spotless record.

Hokutofuji, who defeated Kakuryu on Day 2, opened the bout by pushing Asanoyama towards the edge. But the sekiwake got both hands under Hokutofuji’s arms and threw the 162-kg wrestler down.

Asanoyama, who won his maiden top division championship last May, needs to win at least 12 bouts to meet one of the benchmarks for promotion. The 26-year-old collected 10 wins at the January meet after finishing 11-4 in November.

Takakeisho, the only ozeki competing, lost to No. 1 Daieisho (1-3). Takakeisho (2-2) opened with a slapping attack against Daieisho but was quickly bulldozed out of the ring as he attempted to pull the maegashira down.

Having won his only championship in November 2018 as a komusubi, the 23-year-old Takakeisho has not won a title since he was first promoted to ozeki in May.

Among the six rank-and-file wrestlers who started the day with a perfect record, four managed to improve to 4-0.

Fan-favorite Mitakeumi, who is aiming for his third Emperor’s Cup, calmly shoved out No. 3 Yutakayama (2-2) without giving his opponent a chance to resist.

Despite hogging the spotlight two months ago, January champion Tokushoryu’s struggles continue in Osaka. The No. 2 maegashira failed to claim his first win of the meet when he was forced backwards by komusubi Endo (2-2).

Written by Kyodo