FUKUOKA - Returning yokozuna Hoshoryu took his first loss of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament as he was pushed down by No. 1 maegashira Fujiryoga on Tuesday.
The Mongolian-born grand champion, making his comeback from knee surgery in July, started strongly but was knocked off balance by a powerful shove from the maegashira, who seized the opportunity to finish the job.
The 23-year-old Fujiryoga (2-1) earned his maiden "kinboshi" gold star prize for beating a yokozuna, albeit one who has not completed a 15-day tournament since March.
"I'm happy," Fujiryoga said. "I think moving forward is my strength, and I was able to do that."
Yokozuna Onosato improved to 2-1 by beating No. 1 maegashira Asanoyama (1-2) as the pair faced off for the first time in the final bout of Day 3 at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
The six-time Emperor's Cup winner came out on top in their grappling battle, keeping his balance as the former ozeki tried to initiate a throw before crushing him out.
Komusubi Yoshinofuji (2-1), who beat Onosato on the opening day, claimed another big name as he took down ozeki Kirishima (2-1) with an overarm throw.
Fellow ozeki Kotozakura (2-1) was in control from the outset as he dispatched No. 2 maegashira Fujiseiun (1-2) by overarm throw, while Ukrainian-born Aonishiki had his hands full early against No. 2 maegashira Ura (0-3) before claiming victory by force out.
Sekiwake Atamifuji stayed perfect at 3-0 by pushing out No. 4 maegashira Daieisho (1-2), while newly promoted komusubi Churanoumi (1-2) earned his first victory as a member of the three "sanyaku" ranks against winless sekiwake Fujinokawa.
No. 6 maegashira Kotoeiho (1-2) withdrew from the tournament with a neck injury and forfeited his scheduled bout against seventh-ranked maegashira Kinbozan (3-0).
