Ichiyamamoto Falls in Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, Ties for Lead

In a significant match during the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, rank-and-file wrestler Ichiyamamoto faced a setback, enduring his second defeat at the hands of veteran komusubi Takayasu. This loss has resulted in Ichiyamamoto’s position falling into a four-way tie for the tournament lead, all tied at 9-2.

On the other hand, grand champion Onosato, the sole yokozuna in attendance following Hoshoryu’s injury withdrawal, managed to secure a victory against Kirishima, a sekiwake originally from Mongolia. Both Onosato and Kirishima now share a record of 8-3 following the 11th day of the 15-day competition. Onosato is determined to earn the championship in his debut tournament as a yokozuna, coming off two previous tournament victories in March and May that increased his top-division title count to four.

Currently, Ichiyamamoto, ranked eighth among maegashira, finds himself in a tie for the lead with emerging Ukrainian talent Aonishiki, alongside fellow maegashira wrestlers Kusano and Kotoshoho, who hold first, 14th, and 15th rankings, respectively. Takayasu, the former ozeki with an 8-3 record, displayed skill and determination in defeating Ichiyamamoto through a well-executed underarm throw. After the match, Takayasu expressed his satisfaction with achieving a winning record and acknowledged the challenges he faced from Ichiyamamoto.

Aonishiki continued to impress with a solid force-out win over No. 2 maegashira Abi, who holds a record of 6-5. At a distance of 8-3, other contenders include Onosato, Kirishima, Takayasu, as well as No. 4 maegashira Tamawashi, No. 10 maegashira Atamifuji, and No. 16 maegashira Mitakeumi. Finally, struggling ozeki Kotozakura, currently at 6-5, achieved a crucial victory against the 40-year-old veteran Tamawashi, as he aims to secure a winning record of at least 8-7.