J9 – Rien n’est joué

TOKYO (Kyodo) — Rank-and-file grappler Tobizaru produced the biggest upset so far at the November Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday by handing overnight leader and title favorite Takakeisho his first loss.

The No. 4 maegashira, who became a sensation by contending for the title in his top-division debut in September, showed impressive strength and dexterity to outmaneuver the powerful ozeki in the final bout of Day 9 at Ryogoku Kokugikan.

The highest-ranked wrestler left in the field, ozeki Takakeisho opened with his customary pushing and thrusting attack, but Tobizaru held his ground despite a roughly 50-kilogram weight disadvantage.

With Takakeisho looking to drive him out, Tobizaru (3-6) caught the ozeki off balance and slapped him down.

« I’m so glad that I won over an ozeki. It’s like a dream come true, » said Tobizaru.

With both grand champions, Hakuho and Kakuryu, as well as ozeki Asanoyama and Shodai, out of the 15-day tournament through injury, the pressure is on 24-year-old Takakeisho to win his second Emperor’s Cup.

The loss saw him drop into a three-way tie for the lead with Takarafuji and Shimanoumi at 8-1. It also handed a lifeline to the winner of the July tournament, Terunofuji (7-2), who suffered his second straight loss on Monday against fellow komusubi Takayasu after finishing the first week undefeated.

In a fierce battle between former ozeki, Takayasu (5-4) took Terunofuji to the edge before the powerfully built Mongolian fought his way back to the middle. Terunofuji resisted Takayasu’s attempt to slap him down but succumbed to a rear push out after being spun around.

No. 6 Takarafuji secured his first winning record in three meets by thrusting down No. 3 Okinoumi (5-4). The Isegahama stablemate of Terunofuji was nearly forced out before he executed the winning move.

« I was in a very dangerous position but I was able to pull off a throw, » Takarafuji said. « By sparring with the likes of Terunofuji, I’ve been able to get stronger. »

No. 17 Shimanoumi secured a winning record by pushing out No. 12 Yutakayama (2-7).

Sekiwake Mitakeumi lost to No. 5 Myogiryu in an upset that may have put to rest his hopes of a championship.

Getting the better of the initial clash, Myogiryu (3-6) forced out Mitakeumi (6-3) with relative ease.

Up-and-coming No. 5 Kotoshoho (5-4) showed strong footwork as he upset new sekiwake Takanosho.

Takanosho (4-5) came inside looking for a hold, but 21-year-old Kotoshoho slipped to the side before thrusting him down.

Wildly popular No. 11 Enho ended a nightmare run of eight consecutive losses to start the tournament by beating big Bulgarian No. 8 Aoiyama and improving to 1-8.

The smallest man in the division received an ovation from the crowd after grabbing Aoiyama (3-6) by the leg and forcing him out.