NAGOYA - Yokozuna promotion-chasing ozeki Kirishima joined six other wrestlers at the top of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament leaderboard on Saturday after rank-and-filer Shishi suffered his first defeat after seven days of action.
Kirishima (6-1) had to fight his way back from a patchy start against last year's Nagoya meet winner, sekiwake Kotoshoho (3-4), with the ozeki finding himself on the back foot before coming to a standstill in the middle of the raised ring at Nagoya's IG Arena.
A deep left-handed belt hold proved vital for Kirishima, who went 12-3 in May and could rise to yokozuna by posting a championship-caliber result this month, as he outlasted his opponent to win by a well-executed overarm throw.
Yokozuna Hoshoryu (5-2) got back to winning ways against Hiradoumi (1-6), albeit backing off slightly at the start, with the grand champion reversing the No. 3 maegashira with a right beltless arm throw in the last bout of the day.
Another yokozuna Onosato (4-3), back after missing most of the past two tournaments, is showing signs of recovery after sealing his third straight win.
Facing a tricky opponent in Hakunofuji (5-2), Onosato stood firm to repel the No. 3 maegashira's opening pressure before overpowering his smaller opponent in a solid force-out victory.
No. 14 maegashira Shishi (6-1) made a soft opening clash against No. 13 maegashira Nishikifuji (6-1), who spun the Ukrainian overnight leader around and embarked on a powerful drive en route to grabbing a fine rear push-out win.
Sekiwake Aonishiki (6-1) was untroubled by a huge opening jump to his left by diminutive No. 1 maegashira Fujinokawa (3-4), claiming a quick force-out win as the Ukrainian star took another step toward 10 wins he needs this month to secure an immediate return to ozeki.
No. 7 maegashira Takayasu and Kotoeiho also improved to 6-1 along with top-tier makuuchi division-returning Takerufuji, the No. 13 maegashira who has won one Emperor's Cup.
Demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki Kotozakura (3-4) fell to his third straight defeat, getting outmuscled and swiftly forced out by sekiwake Atamifuji (5-2). After a losing record in May, Kotozakura needs eight wins this month to stay at the second-highest rank.
No. 11 maegashira Wakanosho (5-2) pulled out of the meet prior to the day's bout after the in-form wrestler suffered a bruise to his right thigh bone when he fell to his first defeat of the tournament on Friday.
