OSAKA – Sekiwake Kirishima and No. 10 maegashira Gonoyama both survived scares to stay at the top of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament leaderboard on Tuesday as No. 5 maegashira Kotoshoho took a step back and was joined by yokozuna Hoshoryu on the second rung of the ladder.
Kirishima (9-1) stumbled forward after an early slap-down from No. 4 maegashira Takanosho (7-3), but the former ozeki stayed on his feet before sidestepping to his left to dodge an ensuing lunge from the rank-and-filer, winning by hand pull-down at Edion Arena Osaka.
Gonoyama (9-1) made a solid opening charge against Asakoryu (6-4), but his successive slap-down attempts allowed the No. 12 maegashira to launch a counter. Gonoyama was forced to the opposite edge before the move finally worked to hand him a sixth win in a row.
Hoshoryu (8-2) swept aside Wakamotoharu (2-8) to secure a winning record. After opening with his usual left-handed slap to the opponent’s face, the grand champion was quick in securing a left overarm belt hold before flooring the komusubi with a frontal crush out.
Overnight joint leader Kotoshoho (8-2) had no answer in the face of pressure from his bigger opponent, No. 8 maegashira Shodai (7-3). The former ozeki bulldozed his way to the edge and claimed a lopsided win also with a frontal crush out.
Ukrainian ozeki Aonishiki (5-5) evened his mark with back-to-back wins, producing an emphatic left overarm throw to upend No. 3 maegashira Hiradoumi (5-5) as the New Year meet champion looks to recover from the disappointment of missing out on a possible promotion to yokozuna.
Ozeki Kotozakura (6-4) slapped down No. 4 maegashira Daieisho (4-6), while sekiwake Takayasu (6-4) lost his third bout in a row after the former ozeki was forced out by No. 3 maegashira Oho in a rematch.
A total of five wrestlers are on 7-3 with No. 13 maegashira Fujiseiun, No. 16 maegashira Asahakuryu and No. 17 maegashira Kotoeiho all a win away from a winning record at the 15-day meet.
AloJapan.com