OSAKA - Sekiwake Kirishima floored yokozuna Hoshoryu to stay on course for the title at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday as No. 5 maegashira Kotoshoho remains as the only wrestler trailing by one victory.
Kirishima (11-1) seized a left overarm belt hold straight away against his fellow Mongolian-born grappler and grand champion Hoshoryu (9-3), who fought hard to regain the initiative but failed at Edion Arena Osaka.
Kirishima kept looking for an opportunity to execute a throw, and the former ozeki's persistence paid off as Hoshoryu, who is seeking his first title since his promotion to yokozuna ahead of the Spring meet last year, was upended at the edge.
Kotoshoho (10-2) was engaged in an evenly-matched pushing battle in the middle of the raised ring with Yoshinofuji (5-7) before last year's Nagoya meet champion slightly backed off to his right and slapped down the No. 1 maegashira.
No. 10 maegashira Gonoyama (9-3) suffered back-to-back defeats despite a good opening drive against Kotozakura (8-4). The rank-and-filer stood his ground as the ozeki tried to swing him down, but his early momentum was lost before he backpedaled all the way to get pushed out at the other end.
After starting the meet with yokozuna promotion looming, New Year meet champion Aonishiki (5-7) is staring at the prospect of starting May's Summer meet with his ozeki status on the line following his loss to Daieisho (5-7).
The Ukrainian star withstood a slap-down attempt from the No. 4 maegashira, but could not repel the ensuing drive from the pusher-thruster as he was lopsidedly thrust down and bounced out of the raised ring.
Sekiwake Takayasu (6-6) fell to his fifth straight defeat after getting grappled out by No. 3 maegashira Hiradoumi (6-6), while new komusubi Atamifuji (7-5) was made to wait for a winning record as he fell to an under-shoulder swing down from No. 3 maegashira Oho (6-6).
