High-ranking maegashira Tobizaru caused the first major upset of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, knocking down lone ozeki Takakeisho in Monday’s final bout.
The former komusubi continued to be a thorn in Takakeisho’s side as he took his second consecutive head-to-head victory over the ozeki on Day 2 at Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena.
Takakeisho failed to land a strong opening hit and was unbalanced by the back kicking Tobizaru, who found an opening to hurl the ozeki to clay and improve to 1-1.
Tobizaru (R) defeats Takakeisho on the second day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan on January 9, 2023. (TBEN)
“I lost yesterday, so I wanted to come back strong today,” said Tobizaru. “I want to take it one day at a time, do my style of sumo and give it my all every day.”
Takakeisho, the top-ranked wrestler without a recovering yokozuna Terunofuji (1-1), can put himself in line for promotion to Grand Champion by winning his third Emperor’s Cup in the 15-day encounter.
Exciting young sekiwake Hoshoryu (2-0) showed off the grappling skills that fueled his meteoric rise, using an underarm throw to topple newly promoted komusubi Kotonowaka (0-2).
Sekiwake Wakatakakage recorded his first loss of the match against No. 2 Mitakeumi in a fight between Toyo University alumni, dodging multiple pushout attempts before finally being pushed over the straw.
Former ozeki Mitakeumi (1-1) is back with the ranks for the first time since March 2020.
Sekiwake Shodai fell to 0-2 after being knocked out easily by No. 1 Daieisho (2-0). After being relegated 6-9 in November, the former ozeki needs to get back on track quickly if he is to achieve the 10 wins needed for automatic promotion to the second highest rank.
Sekiwake Takayasu (0-2), who finished second in November, was not looking as he was pushed down by komusubi Kiribayama (1-1).
November’s champion, No. 3 Abi, remained undefeated after surviving a close call against komusubi Wakamotoharu, who went winless in his first encounter between the three “sanyaku” ranks under yokozuna.
Related coverage:
Sumo: Lone ozeki Takakeisho makes winning start to New Year’s gathering
COVID keeps sumo venue from selling crowd favorite chicken skewers
Sumo: Yokozuna Terunofuji Misses New Year’s Tournament
