2017 Nagoya Basho.

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 1: Takayasu loses ozeki debut in wild start to tourney

• 
• 

Details
Details
Created on Sunday, 09 July 2017 11:16
Written by Kyodo

Takayasu flopped in his ozeki debut Sunday, going down at the hands of second-ranked maegashira Hokutofuji on the opening day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.

On a wild day at the meet that saw all three ozeki and two yokozuna lose, Takayasu, promoted to sumo's second-highest rank after going 11-4 at the last tourney in May, looked shaky throughout his first career meeting with Hokutofuji.

The sellout crowd at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium was well behind Takayasu, but the Tagonoura stable wrestler allowed Hokutofuji to set the tone, the maegashira getting the inside grip on the belt.

Hokutofuji had his opponent toeing the straw bales before Takayasu went over, unable to offer much resistance. Takayasu will try again for his first win as ozeki on Monday against No. 3 maegashira Ikioi.

"It's kind of a blur, but I just tried to stay aggressive, keep pushing forward," Hokutofuji said. "I went for broke. I was running on pure emotion today."

"I have to take it one day at a time, and give it my best every single day for the rest of the tournament."

Takayasu's stablemate, yokozuna Kisensato, meekly succumbed to his first defeat of the meet as new sekiwake Mitakeumi beat the grand champion for the first time in six career bouts.

Kisenosato was forced to withdraw midway through the previous tournament with an injury to his left chest and upper-arm area, and did not appear fully recovered on Sunday.

Mitakeumi kept Kisenosato's left arm off his mawashi from the tachiai, quickly sending his opponent backpedaling. The yokozuna could not fight back as Mitakeumi plowed him out of the ring with relative ease.

"I'm thrilled, there are no two ways about it," Mitakeumi said. "The fight went just like I had hoped it would. I didn't let him use his left-hand grip because if I did, I wouldn't stand much of a chance."

Yokozuna Hakuho, the winner of May's Summer basho, picked up where he left off by dominating komusubi Kotoshogiku. Fellow grand champion Kakuryu also won, defeating No. 1 maegashira Shodai, but the remaining yokozuna, Harumafuji, was felled by komusubi Yoshikaze, who got two hands on the back of the belt.

The two other ozeki, Goeido and Terunofuji, lost to second-ranked maegashira Tochinoshin and top-ranked Takakeisho, respectively.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 2: Takayasu plows over Ikioi for 1st win as ozeki

• 
• 

Details
Details
Created on Monday, 10 July 2017 13:48
Written by Kyodo

Takayasu earned his first win as ozeki on the second day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, overpowering third-ranked maegshira Ikioi on Monday.

A night after stumbling against Hokutofuji (1-1) to start the 15-day meet, Takayasu left nothing to chance against Ikioi, whom he had beaten nine times in 13 past meetings. Takayasu barreled square into Ikioi's chest from the tachiai and never let go of his opponent, bulldozing him off the mound in a flurry to the delight of the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium crowd.

On Tuesday, Takayasu will take on komusubi Kotoshogiku (0-2), against whom he has a career 9-11 record. Kotoshogiku lost to yokozuna Kakuryu (2-0) on Monday.

Takayasu's Tagonoura stablemate, yokozuna Kisenosato, also bounced back from an opening-day defeat, beating No. 1 maegshira Takakeisho (1-1) but looked far from being 100 percent.

Kisenosato won a slap-fest against the feisty Takakeisho, whom he sidestepped to bat down in their first career matchup. But Kisenosato -- who pulled out of the last tournament in May with an injury to his left chest and upper-arm area -- winced every time he had to go to his left hand, portending possibly another difficult basho for the grand champion.

Yokozuna Hakuho demonstrated his class in improving to 2-0, outmuscling Tochinoshin (1-1) to lift the second-ranked maegashira beyond the ropes. The victory was the 1,038th of Hakuho'scareer, moving the Mongolian within nine of Kaio's all-time win record, which the 38-time Emperor's Cup winner could very well break at this tourney.

Yokozuna Harumafuji remained winless through two days after falling to top-ranked maegashira Shodai (1-1) in the day's final bout. Shodai scored his first career kimboshi, a win by a rank-and-file wrestler over a grand champion.

The two other ozeki in the field, Terunofuji and Goeido, slipped to their second defeats in as many days against sekiwake Tamawashi (2-0) and komusubi Yoshikaze (2-0), respectively.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 3: Hakuho busts Shodai to continue march toward career wins record

• 
• 

Details
Details
Created on Tuesday, 11 July 2017 12:37
Written by Kyodo

Yokozuna Hakuho closed within eight of Kaio's all-time win record of 1,047 after making quick work of top-ranked maegashira Shodai at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday.

Hakuho remained perfect through the third day of the 15-day meet, hammering Shodai (1-2) in a heartbeat. The Mongolian literally rattled his opponent with a hard slap to the face that buckled Shodai's knees.

After that Hakuho needed no more than a nudge to send Shodai to the ground. Shodai said he felt his body go after being swatted by Hakuho's right hand. "I don't remember a thing," Shodai said. "Can someone tell me what happened?"

Hakuho's 1,039th career victory left him six back of the late Chiyonofuji, who is second on the all-time list. On Wednesday, Hakuho will face No. 1 maegashira Takakeisho (1-2).

Takakeisho on Tuesday went down at the hands of yokozuna Harumafuji, who won his first bout of the tournament in his maiden career meeting with Takakeisho.

The other two grand champions, Kisenosato (1-2) and Kakuryu (2-1), had a rough day at the office no thanks to the two second-ranked maegashira, Tochinoshin (2-1) and Hokutofuji (2-1), respectively.

Kisenosato's injured left arm again cost him, Tochinoshin successfully keeping the yokozuna's strong hand off his belt. Once Tochinoshin got the inside grip with his right, the Georgian plowed forward with Kisenosato unable to counter on essentially one arm.

Hokutofuji defeated Kakuryu in his first matchup against a yokozuna and was over the moon following his surprising win. "I can't believe it. It's all a blur," Hokutofuji said. "I can't control my emotions right now."

The three ozeki, Takayasu (2-1), Terunofuji (1-2) and Goeido (1-2), won on the same day for the first time at this tourney.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 4: Hakuho stays perfect with hard-earned win

• 
• 

Details
Details
Created on Wednesday, 12 July 2017 14:35
Written by Kyodo

Record-chasing Mongolian grand champion Hakuho maintained his flawless start to the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on Wednesday, producing a well-earned fourth win against top-ranked maegashira Takakeisho on Wednesday.

The day's finale at times resembled a boxing bout as both wrestlers waited for each other to make the next move after a stalemate broke up at the center of the ring at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium.

But Hakuho showed his class and easily worked Takakeisho (1-3) over the bales to move within seven wins of former ozeki Kaio's all-time win record of 1,047. Hakuho's 1,040th career victory left him five back of the late Chiyonofuji, who is second on the all-time list.

Three of the four yokozuna in sumo's elite division came through with wins on the fourth day of action.

Kisenosato, whose injured left arm has clearly affected his form here, rebounded from his second defeat with relatively ease, barging out top-ranked Shodai (1-3) to level his mark.

Harumafuji also recovered from a surprise second defeat and after diving in low at the charge, the Mongolian quickly seized control to shove Georgian No. 2 maegashira Tochinoshin (2-2) to the dirt.

But Mongolian yokozuna Kakuryu withdrew from the 15-day basho earlier in the day due to a right foot injury and handed a default win to his scheduled komusubi opponent Yoshikaze (4-0).

It is the third time this year Kakuryu has been forced to pull out of a tournament, and seventh time overall. Kakuryu's stablemaster Izutsu said the yokozuna's latest injury could put his career on the line.

Back on the ring, newly promoted ozeki Takayasu took out sekiwake debutante Mitakeumi (2-2) with a flurry of thrusts to score a third straight win.

There were mixed results for the two other ozeki. Goeido (2-2) powered his way past winless No. 3 maegashira Ikioi, but Mongolian giant Terunofuji (1-3) was condemned to a force-out defeat by second-ranked Hokutofuji (3-1).

Swami

 

[Swami]

Injury forces yokozuna Kakuryu out in Nagoya, retirement looms

• 
• 

Details
Details
Created on Wednesday, 12 July 2017 11:12
Written by Kyodo

Mongolian yokozuna Kakuryu withdrew from the ongoing Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament because of a right foot injury Wednesday, another in a string of ailments that his stablemaster Izutsu said may end his career.

"Being prone to injury means he's losing power. If he can't win next time he steps on the dohyo, there will be no option to pull out midway. He would have to take the decision (to retire from the sport) as a man," Izutsu said.

Despite the bad news, the 31-year-old Kakuryu remained upbeat. "I don't know what to say. I started on a good note so I don't know what went wrong," he said Wednesday. "I don't want to end with an injury this way, nor do I want to end as a loser. I hope to try and stay positive and overcome this injury."

According to Izutsu, Kakuryu, who got off to a 2-0 winning start to the 15-day meet at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, sustained the injury in a loss to second-ranked maegashira Hokutofuji on Tuesday, his first of the tourney.

"His right foot got worse Tuesday evening and he had difficulty walking this morning. I feel bad (for the fans) that he has had many withdrawals recently. Though it is not his fault, it happened because he's not strong enough," Izutsu said.

The spring meet in March featured four grand champions for the first time in 17 years and all four -- Kakuryu, Kisenosato, Harumafuji and Hakuho -- started in the next two meets as well, but in none of the three tournaments have all lasted the whole 15 days.

Hakuho withdrew from the spring meet in Osaka and Kisenosato pulled out of the summer meet in Tokyo, both due to injury.

It is the third time this year Kakuryu has been forced to pull out of a tournament, and seventh time overall. He only fought four days and forfeited his fifth bout in the summer meet in May after he complained of pain in his left ankle.

Komusubi Yoshikaze, his scheduled opponent for Wednesday, will win by forfeit.

Since his promotion to yokozuna status after the spring tournament in 2014, Kakuryu has only won two of the 20 titles he has contested.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 5: Hakuho stays unbeaten to share lead

• 
• 

Details
Details
Created on Thursday, 13 July 2017 12:32
Written by Kyodo

Mongolian grand champion Hakuho mugged komusubi Yoshikaze on Thursday to stay tied for the lead on the fifth day of action at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.

Hakuho showed nifty footwork at the charge and got behind Yoshikaze (4-1) in a flash before easily bumping him out to make it five wins from five at the 15-day basho at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium.

The result saw Hakuho, the most successful wrestler in the history of the sport with a record 38 career titles, move within six wins of former ozeki Kaio's all-time win record of 1,047.

Eighth-ranked maegashira Aoiyama beat ninth-ranked Okinoumi (1-4) and is the only other wrestler with a perfect 5-0 mark.

Meanwhile, Kisenosato's struggles continued as he fell to his third defeat of the meet and first in 16 meetings with third-ranked maegashira Ikioi.

Ikioi (1-4) went for Kisenosato's sore left arm and after locking it up after the charge, the yokozuna simply had no answer as he got knocked off the dohyo.

Yokozuna Harumafuji (3-2) charged Hokutofuji (3-2) to the edge of the ring and pulled back to send the second-ranked maegashira to the dirt with a textbook sukuinage beltless arm throw.

His opening-day defeat seemingly a minor blip, newly promoted ozeki Takayasu stayed within one win of Hakuho, unleashing some hard shots to Takakeisho's face and sending the top-ranked maegashira down to his fourth loss.

Ozeki Goeido came back from the brink in an entertaining bout and plopped No. 1 maegashira Shodai (1-4) on his backside to improve to 3-2.

Kotoshogiku finally got into the winner's column, the komusubi getting a firm right-handed grip on Terunofuji's belt and marching the Mongolian ozeki out to leave both men with 1-4 records.

Earlier in the day, third-ranked maegashira Endo pulled out of the tournament with a left ankle injury. The 26-year-old wrestler from the Oitekaze stable lost his scheduled bout against No. 6 maegashira Ichinojo (3-2) by default.

Endo's withdrawal is the second among wrestlers in the elite makuuchi division, after yokozuna Kakuryu. It is the fourth time in his career that Endo has pulled out of a tournament.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Injured Kisenosato and Terunofuji withdraw from Nagoya basho

• 
• 

Details
Details
Created on Friday, 14 July 2017 11:20
Written by Kyodo

Kisenosato © Kyodo

Yokozuna Kisenosato and ozeki Terunofuji have both pulled out of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament due to injuries and will forfeit their sixth-day bouts, sumo officials said Friday.

The 31-year-old Kisenosato, who has been competing despite delayed recovery from an upper arm injury, injured his left ankle while losing to third-ranked maegashira Ikioi in Thursday's bout at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium. He entered the meet with a perfect 15-0 head-to-head record against Ikioi.

Medical reports submitted to the Japan Sumo Association revealed he has been diagnosed with damaged ligaments in his left ankle joint and will need three weeks of treatment.

It is the second straight tournament that the grand champion from the Tagonoura stable has been forced to withdraw from, and the third time overall.

"He said he is no condition to wrestle. The pain in his left arm seems to be gone but he hasn't been able to put on good sumo. He was desperate and hoping to heal himself in the ring," his stablemaster Tagonoura said.

"It was a difficult decision. But we'll think of what's best going forward and make sure the fans will get to see a healthy yokozuna again."

Meanwhile, Terunofuji, who underwent endoscopic surgery on his left knee last month, also pulled out and will have to compete in the next Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament as a demotion-threatened "kadoban" if he misses the remainder of the Nagoya basho.

He was diagnosed with a left knee meniscal injury and his scheduled opponent for Friday, No. 1 maegashira Shodai, wins by forfeit, leaving Terunofuji at 1-5.

For the 25-year-old Mongolian ozeki from the Isegahama stable, it is the second time in his career he is withdrawing from a tournament.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 6: Hakuho edges closer to all-time wins record

• 
• 

Details
Details
Created on Friday, 14 July 2017 13:15
Written by Kyodo

The countdown to another impressive milestone continued for Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho on Friday as the co-leader made short work of Hokutofuji to preserve his unbeaten start at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.

On a day when injury-hit Kisenosato became the second grand champion and fourth wrestler in the top makuuchi division to withdraw from the tournament, Hakuho produced another classy performance in his first meeting with Hokutofuji.

The yokozuna soaked up a head charge from Hokutofuji (3-3) and disarmed the No. 2 maegashira before scoring an "okuridashi" rear push out win that keeps him tied with No. 8 maegashira Aoiyama at 6-0 at the 15-day tourney.

The result saw Hakuho, the sport's most successful wrestler with a record 38 career titles, move within five wins of former ozeki Kaio's record of winning 1,047 bouts.

Bulgarian-born Aoiyama pummeled seventh-ranked Takanoiwa (0-6) with a flurry of thrusts to the face and yanked him down by the back of the neck to keep his share of the lead.

Yokozuna Kisenosato and ozeki Terunofuji both pulled out earlier in the day and forfeited their respective sixth-day bouts against komusubi Kotoshogiku (2-4) and top-ranked maegashira Shodai (2-4).

The 31-year-old Kisenosato, who has been competing despite a slowed recovery from an upper arm injury, injured his left ankle while losing to third-ranked maegashira Ikioi on Thursday.

It is the second straight tournament that the grand champion from the Tagonoura stable has been forced to withdraw from.

Terunofuji suffered a left-knee injury and he will have to compete in the Autumn meet as a demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki if he misses the remainder of the Nagoya basho.

Mongolian yokozuna Kakuryu pulled out of the Nagoya meet on Wednesday with a right-foot injury and popular maegashira Endo withdrew with a left-ankle problem on Thursday.

In Friday's other bouts, Takayasu (5-1) outlasted Georgian No. 2 maegashira Tochinoshin (2-4) in an epic tussle to score his fifth straight win after losing on opening day on his debut at sumo's second rank of ozeki.

But fellow ozeki Goeido was sent to his third defeat when he got thrust down by sekiwake Tamawashi, who improved to 4-2

Yokozuna Harumafuji (4-2) wrapped up the day's action at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium by ramming out third-ranked maegashira Ikioi (1-5).

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 7: Rock-solid Hakuho keeps inching toward Kaio's record mark

• 
• 

Details
Details
Created on Saturday, 15 July 2017 13:04
Written by Kyodo

With two grand champions -- Kisenosato and Kakuryu -- having already pulled out, Hakuho remained sturdy as an oak, improving to 7-0 as he batted down Ikioi (1-6) for his 1,043rd career victory. Hakuho is now four shy of former ozeki Kaio's all-time record for matches won.

Hakuho is also two wins away from catching the late Chiyonofuji, who is second on the list. On Sunday, Hakuho will fight No. 4 maegashira Ura (5-2) in their first career matchup.

Hakuho shares the penthouse view with eighth-ranked Aoiyama (7-0), who shoved out sixth-ranked Ichinojo and will face No. 4 maegashira Onosho (5-2) on Sunday.

The other yokozuna remaining at the meet, Harumafuji (5-2), was made to work for his win against komusubi Kotoshogiku (2-5), who owns a 32-29 career record against the Mongolian.

Kotoshogiku looked like he was bound for another victory over Harumafuji, forcing him to the edge of the ring. But Haruamfuji hung on, and turned on Kotoshogiku to send his the former ozeki toppling off the mound.

Ozeki Takayasu rolled to his sixth straight win after losing on opening day, slamming down top-ranked Shodai (2-5) to stay within touching distance of the leaders.

The other ozeki left in the field, Goeido (4-3), defeated No. 1 Takakeisho, who has won just once at the meet.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 8: Unbeaten Hakuho moves one win shy of Chiyonofuji win mark

• 
• 

Details
Details
Created on Sunday, 16 July 2017 20:00
Written by Kyodo

Hakuho, who won May's grand tournament with a perfect 15-0 record, is unbeaten in 23 straight matches since he withdrew injured in March. By winning his 1,044th career bout he moved one shy of Chiyonofuji, whose 1,045 are second on the all-time list.

But the victory required Hakuho overcome an unorthodox attack from No. 4 maegashira Ura (5-3). The victory lifted the yokozuna into the sole lead as the tournament passed the half-way mark at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium.

Ura darted in low, trying to wrap up the yokozuna's legs. But while the tactic threw Hakuho off his rhythm for a moment, it did not topple him and the Mongolian master was able to take charge of the bout. After Ura's second try failed, Hakuho yanked the 25-year-old to the edge of the ring and toppled him with a beltless arm throw.

Hakuho, now three wins shy of Kaio's record of 1,047 victories, started the day tied for the lead with No. 8 maegashira Aoiyama. But the Bulgarian bruiser suffered his first defeat to fall into a two-way tie for second with ozeki Takayasu.

Takayasu won his seventh straight bout in no-nonsense fashion, forcing No. 5 Chiyoshoma out to his fifth defeat. The new ozeki used his longer reach to keep the Mongolian maegashira from exploiting his belt hold while twisting him back to the straw and out.

Aoiyama's perfect start came to a halt at the hands of impressive 21-year-old Onosho (6-2). The youngster was forced back a step as the bout opened but soon had his chance.

The huge Aoiyama missed with a haymaker slap on his opening charge and Onosho seized on that instant of vulnerability to ram into his much-larger opponent's chest. Before the 195-kilogram Aoiyama could blink, he was being propelled backward by the 155-kg Onosho and out of the ring to his first loss.

Yokozuna Harumafuji was among the wrestlers a win further back at 6-2 after he overcame a spirited effort against No. 4 maegashira Kagayaki (3-5), who will face Hakuho on Monday.

In other matches, former ozeki Kotoshogiku (3-5) surrendered belt holds to fellow komusubi Yoshikaze (4-4) but continued to plow forward and used his momentum to seize control and crush his opponent backward over the straw.

Ozeki Goeido wrapped up No. 2 maegashira Hokutofuji on his charge and plowed him out with little difficulty to improve to 5-3.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 9: Hakuho ties late Chiyonofuji for 2nd all-time with 1,045 wins

• 
• 

Details
Details
Created on Monday, 17 July 2017 18:35
Written by Kyodo

Yokozuna Hakuho remained peerless at the 15-day tournament and en route to his 39th championship by improving to a perfect 9-0 with an easy win over Kagayaki, whom he slammed to the dirt in their first career meeting.

Hakuho moved within two wins of former ozeki Kaio's all-time record, which, barring injury or some unforeseen event, will almost certainly be rewritten by the end of the tourney.

The victory stood Hakuho side by side with one of sumo's legends in Chiyonofuji, who passed away in July last year. The 32-year-old Hakuho, now the winningest yokozuna ever, is three years younger than Chiyonofuji was at the time of his final victory.

Hakuho, who will face No. 5 maegashira Chiyoshoma (4-5) on Tuesday, said Chiyonofuji's mark had been his target for the meet all long. Chiyoshoma on Monday defeated ozeki Goeido (5-4)

"This was my goal for this tournament," said Hakuho, who was given a bouquet of flowers and waved to the crowd at Aichi Prefectural Gynasium on his way back to the dressing rooms.

"I'm glad to have gotten it done so fast. (Chiyonofuji) looked after me, and winning tomorrow and surpassing him will be a way of giving back to him."

The Miyagino stable wrestler is one win ahead of No. 8 Aoiyama in the title race here and two ahead of a pack of four, including new ozeki Takayasu.

Aoiyama rebounded from his first defeat of the tourney a day earlier, but cut it close as the judges had to convene over his win against No. 11 Chiyonokuni (3-6).

Chiyonokuni, his face bloodied after taking a hard slap to the face, appeared to have sent Aoiyama tumbling to his second loss. But the judges caught Chiyonokuni stepping out of the ring before his opponent hit the ground, declaring Aoiyama the winner.

"I was sure I saw his foot go out first, so I'm glad that was confirmed and I was able to win," Aoiyama said. "The big thing is to stay focused and wrestle well, and keep doing that each and every day."

Takayasu, who had won seven straight after losing on the first day, failed to put up much of a fight against komusubi Yoshikaze (5-4). After locking horns at the tachiai, Yoshikaze got a firm grip on the belt and simply pushed Takayasu out with minimal resistance from the ozeki.

The other yokozuna in the field, Harumafuji (6-3), was stunned by fourth-ranked Ura (6-3), who earned his first career victory over a grand champion.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 10: Hakuho gets 1,046th win, one shy of Kaio's all-time record

• 
• 

Details
Details
Created on Tuesday, 18 July 2017 17:33
Written by Kyodo

The Mongolian grand champion notched his 10th win in as many days of the 15-day tourney to grab sole possession of second place on the all-time ranking, surpassing late yokozuna Chiyonofuji and moving within one of former ozeki Kaio's record.

After a false start by Chiyoshoma, who used to train under Chiyonofuji, Hakuho absorbed the No. 5 maegashira's charge and caught him in an arm lock. The yokozuna then grabbed his opponent's belt with both hands before driving him off the dohyo and to his sixth loss at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium. Hakuho's head-to-head with his countryman now stands at 2-0.

Hakuho, who has a record 38 career titles, will seek to tie Kaio's mark on Wednesday when he meets sekiwake Mitakeumi, against whom he has a 4-1 record. Mitakeumi (7-3) on Tuesday pulled down top maegashira Shodai (3-7) with an underarm throw.

Bulgarian eighth-ranked maegashira Aoiyama remains on the heels of Hakuho at 9-1 after powerfully thrusting out No. 10 Chiyotairyu (7-3).

Three others -- ozeki Takayasu, No. 6 maegashira Onosho and 13th-ranked Takarafuji -- beat their opponents to stay two wins behind Hakuho.

Takayasu and No. 4 maegashira Ura (6-4), who upset yokozuna Harumafuji (7-3) on Monday, put on what was perhaps the day's most entertaining bout in their first career meeting.

The ozeki, standing 1.86 meters tall, easily fended off the 1.74-meter Ura's charges, repeatedly shoving him away by some distance before twirling him off with a neck throw with his right arm.

Onosho defeated ninth-ranked Tokushoryu (3-7), while Takarafuji beat Georgian No. 16 Gagamaru (3-7) with a twisting overarm throw.

In the day's last match, Harumafuji bulldozed fellow Mongolian Tamawashi (5-5) to the edge of the ring, prompting the sekiwake to step outside.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 11: Hakuho crashes to first defeat but still leads

• 
• 

Details
Details
Created on Wednesday, 19 July 2017 18:30
Written by Kyodo

Hakuho (10-1) was widely expected to keep his flawless record intact and match former ozeki Kaio's all-time wins record of 1,047 in the day's finale at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium.

But newly promoted sekiwake Mitakeumi (8-3) had other ideas and after getting a right-hand grip on the back of the yokozuna's belt, muscled him over the straw ridge.

Hakuho still has four days to match and then surpass Kaio's record. The 38-time Emperor's Cup winner faces sekiwake Tamawashi on Thursday.

Hakuho managed to stay one win clear after his closest rival, Bulgarian born No. 8 maegashira Aoiyama (9-2) was dragged down to a second defeat by 15th-ranked Nishikigi (6-5).

Onosho, a No. 6 maegashira, also has a 9-2 record, thanks to a hand pull down win against 13th-ranked Takarafuji (8-3).

In the day's penultimate bout, yokozuna Harumafuji made short work of Chiyoshoma (4-7), flooring the fifth-ranked maegashira with a textbook tottari arm bar throw.

Takayasu remained two wins off the pace, the ozeki debutant losing control of his bout against Tamawashi (6-5) and getting blasted over the straw bales.

Ozeki Goeido improved to 6-5 with a no-nonsense "oshidashi" frontal push out win against fourth-ranked maegashira Ura, who also has a 6-5 mark.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 12: Hakuho ties all-time wins record

• 
• 

Details
Details
Created on Thursday, 20 July 2017 14:11
Written by Kyodo

Hakuho matched the all-time record held by former ozeki Kaio in the day's penultimate bout at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, knocking sekiwake Tamawashi (6-6) back with some vicious blows to the face before finishing him off with a routine shove at the ring's edge.

"It's strange, but I feel happy to be tied. I can't adequately express how I feel in words. Over the past year, I've suffered from injuries and struggles and I think I have achieved this tremendous record because of that."

Watching the action from ringside as a judge, sat the man whose record he tied, sumo elder Asakayama said he was moved by Hakuho's effort. "This is only a point along the road for him," Asakakayama said. "Watching from below, he impressed upon you his strength and spirit."

The result keeps Hakuho (11-1), sumo's most successful wrestler with 38 championship titles, one win clear of No. 8 maegashira Aoiyama with three days of the 15-day meet remaining. Hakuho can claim sole ownership of the all-time record with a victory against new ozeki Takayasu on Friday. "Tomorrow, I want to be the sole owner of the record," Hakuho said.

Aoiyama got back to winning ways to keep himself in the thick of the title race, the Bulgarian-born grappler tearing down 13th-ranked Hokutofuji (6-6) after a flurry of head charges to move to 10-2.

But sixth-ranked Onosho dropped out of a tie for second when he was slapped down to a third defeat by 10th-ranked Chiyotairyu (8-4).

Mongolian yokozuna Harumafuji is at 9-3 after he quickly marched out sekiwake Mitakeumi (8-4) in the day's last bout.

Takayasu fell three wins off the pace when he was blasted out of the dohyo by fifth-ranked Tochiozan (9-3).

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 13: Hakuho sets all-time wins record, closes in on title

• 
• 

Details
Details
Created on Friday, 21 July 2017 12:30
Written by Kyodo

Hakuho underlined his status as the most successful wrestler in sumo history on Friday, as the Mongolian grand champion claimed a record 1,048th win at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.

Hakuho, who tied former ozeki Kaio's mark of 1,047 career match wins on Thursday, outlasted new ozeki Takayasu in a thrilling bout to reach the latest milestone of his glittering career.

"I think I had enough strength today," said Hakuho. "I am extremely happy to get this record, especially considering all the support I had in the last tournament and here in Nagoya."

Hakuho (12-1) did not have it all his own way in the day's finale as Takayasu (8-5) fought bravely in face of a barrage of neck thrusts. But the yokozuna had too much gumption and toppled Takayasu with an "oshitaoshi" front push down technique for the historic win.

The victory kept the 32-year-old Hakuho in the lead with two days of action remaining at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium and firmly on course for a record-extending 39th career championship.

Hakuho, who is one win clear of No. 8 maegashira Aoiyama, takes on Goeido on Saturday holding a 34-6 win-loss record over the ozeki.

He can capture the title if he beats Goeido and Aoiyama loses to Takekaze.

Aoiyama got a lucky break as ringside judges awarded him a slap-down win over fourth-ranked maegashira Kagayaki (4-9), even though the Bulgarian appeared to step over the ridge before his opponent hit the dirt.

In other bouts, Mongolian yokozuna Harumafuji overpowered Goeido (7-6) and is tied at 10-3 with fifth-ranked Tochiozan, who saw off 13th-ranked Takarafuji (8-5).

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 14: Record breaker Hakuho 1 win from title

• 
• 

Details
Details
Created on Saturday, 22 July 2017 17:38
Written by Kyodo

The Mongolian maestro, who underlined his status as the most successful wrestler in sumo history on Friday with an all-time record 1,048th match win, was in total control at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, getting both hands on the back of ozeki Goeido's neck and yanking him down in a flash. Goeido now stands at 7-7.

Hakuho (13-1) remained one win ahead of No. 8 maegashira Aoiyama and can secure the tournament hardware by beating yokozuna rival and countryman Harumafuji in the final round of matches on Sunday.

Hakuho is 35-21 in his head-to-head meetings with Harumafuji at grand tournaments.

Aoiyama stayed in title contention, outgrappling Takekaze (8-6) at the charge and after getting a left-handed grip on his belt, surging forward to knock the 12th-ranked maegashira off the raised ring.

Bulgarian-born bruiser Aoiyama will need to beat komusubi Yoshikaze, against whom he is 7-10, on Sunday and hope defeat for Hakuho will give him a crack at the title in a playoff against the yokozuna.

Harumafuji (11-3), the only other grand champion left in the tournament following the injury-enforced withdrawals of compatriot Kakuryu and Kisenosato, wrapped up the day's action with a convincing win.

The yokozuna made quick work of new ozeki Takayasu (8-6), quickly locking on to his left arm and sending him out with a tottari arm bar throw.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Nagoya Day 15: Hakuho wins 39th career title

• 
• 

Details
Details
Created on Sunday, 23 July 2017 12:40
Written by Kyodo

Hakuho, who topped the all-time wins list with a 1,048th victory on Friday, broke a mid-ring stalemate and came out on top of an epic tussle by ousting Harumafuji (11-4) with a frontal crush-out at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium. Hakuho wrapped up the tourney with a 14-1 mark, one win ahead of Bulgarian No. 8 maegashira Aoiyama.

"I lost on the 11th day, but the way I turned back the tide after that was in my head so I was able to get on the ring relaxed today," said Hakuho. "To be able to break (former ozeki) Kaio's 1,047 record and (yokozuna legend) Chiyonofuji's 1,045 mark at the same tournament is gratifying. I'd like to go back to my hometown and rest up tomorrow but the thing in my head right now is (the next goal of) 1,000 wins in makuuchi (the top division)."

Aoiyama finished with a flourish, quickly yanking komusubi Yoshikaze (9-6) down by the back of his neck for his 13th win. Aoiyama's impressive form here earned him the Fighting Spirit Prize, one of three awards the Japan Sumo Association gives to wrestlers at the end of a meet.

Sekiwake debutant Mitakeumi closed with a 9-6 mark after blasting out sixth-ranked Onosho (10-5). Mitakeumi, who handed Hakuho his only defeat of the basho, was awarded the Outstanding Performance Prize for the second straight meet. "I didn't think I would be able to win this award twice in a row so I am pleased," said Mitakeumi. "It was good that I was able to wrestle my brand of sumo at this tournament, win on the last day and also get a victory against Hakuho."

Onosho finished at 10-5 again in only his second tournament in makuuchi.

Takayasu claimed ozeki bragging rights by slapping down Goeido (7-8) to close out his first appearance at sumo's second-highest rank with a 9-6 record.

Swami

 

[Mrs. JR Ewing]

Hakuho!

 

[Swami]

I still think Hakuho is overrated, in terms of the all-time great yokozuna, Futabayama, Taiho, Chiyonofuji and Kitanoumi are very much the greatest. Hakuho possibly rates on a par with Takanohana.

Swami

 

[Mrs. JR Ewing]

I still think Hakuho is overrated, in terms of the all-time great yokozuna, Futabayama, Taiho, Chiyonofuji and Kitanoumi are very much the greatest. Hakuho possibly rates on a par with Takanohana.

Swami

Ahh...ye of little faith! He will prove his greatness, my friend!