TOKYO - Young talent Hakunofuji sprang an upset against sole overnight leader Kirishima on Saturday to set the stage for a captivating final day of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament.
The surprise result left the Mongolian-born ozeki tied atop the leaderboard with komusubi Wakatakakage at 11-3, with No. 10 maegashira Hakunofuji among five other wrestlers still in the race at 10-4.
Competing as an ozeki for the first time since May 2024, Kirishima was looking to put one hand on his fourth Emperor's Cup with a victory in the closing bout of Day 14 at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
He secured a belt hold and drove the 22-year-old Hakunofuji to the edge, but the maegashira withstood a force out on one foot before rallying back and crushing out the title favorite.
"I've been practicing daily, not just on using my strength but using my head to stay in contention," said Hakunofuji, aiming for his maiden top-division title at the 15-day tournament. "I'm just going to go all out (on Day 15), as I always do."
Wakatakakage took another step toward his second Emperor's Cup with an emphatic victory over another title contender, No. 13 maegashira Kotoeiho, who dropped to the 10-4 group.
The former sekiwake from Fukushima Prefecture exploded out of the blocks and pushed his young opponent over the straw bales before he could react.
Atamifuji (8-6) clinched a winning record in his first tournament as a sekiwake by forcing out Kotoeiho's older brother Kotoshoho (8-6), also making his debut at sumo's third-highest rank.
No. 2 maegashira Yoshinofuji, No. 11 maegashira Ura and No. 17 maegashira Fujiryoga will also enter the final day in mathematical contention at 10-4.
Kirishima is the only wrestler competing from the top two ranks following the injury withdrawals of both yokozuna, Onosato and Hoshoryu, as well as ozeki Aonishiki and Kotozakura.
