Sumo: Rising star Onosato impresses in win over Oho on Day 3

KYODO NEWS
September 11, 2024

Ozeki aspirant Onosato continued his impressive start to the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament with an overwhelming victory against rank-and-file opponent Oho on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old sekiwake, who can secure promotion to ozeki with a strong record at the 15-day tournament, improved to 3-0 on Day 3 at Ryogoku Kokugikan.

He demonstrated power and footwork as he outmuscled Oho (1-2) at the opening collision and forced the retreating No. 2 maegashira back over the straw bales.

Onosato (L) defeats Oho on the third day of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in Tokyo on Sept. 10, 2024. (Kyodo)

Former ozeki and current sekiwake Takakeisho (0-3) joined lone yokozuna Terunofuji on the injured list as he withdrew due to an ongoing neck condition that has robbed him of his normal explosiveness in recent tournaments.

The four-time Emperor's Cup winner needed 10 wins here for automatic promotion back to the second-highest rank following his demotion after the July meet.

No. 2 maegashira Atamifuji (1-2) pulled off the upset of the day when he forced out ozeki Hoshoryu. The hulking 22-year-old executed the winning move after holding his ground as Hoshoryu (1-2) attempted a force out and an overarm throw in quick succession.

"I've been moving the way I want, but the results haven't been there," said Atamifuji, who is aiming for his first promotion to the three "sanyaku" rank below yokozuna. "I go into each bout determined to win. I'll keep doing my best."

Ozeki Kotozakura survived a close call against No. 1 maegashira Tobizaru to stay perfect at 3-0. The ozeki was credited with a push-out, although replays showed he may have touched the ground before Tobizaru (1-2) exited the ring.

Sekiwake Kirishima (3-0) remained unbeaten as he dispatched No. 1 maegashira Takanosho (1-2) with a pulling overarm throw.

Earlier in the day, Mongolian-born No. 10 maegashira Tamawashi (1-2) earned an ovation from the crowd as he set sumo's new record for most consecutive bouts at 1,631 in his win over 11th-ranked Kagayaki (1-2).