FUKUOKA - Returning yokozuna Hoshoryu suffered his second straight loss at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, succumbing to a push out against No. 2 maegashira Ura and dropping to 2-2 on Wednesday.
The Mongolian-born grand champion, coming back from knee surgery in July, offered little resistance as Ura (1-3) shoved him straight out from the opening collision, compounding his loss to No. 1 maegashira Fujiryoga the previous day.
"I gave it my all," Ura said. "I haven't thought too much about my record. From here on out, I just want to keep giving everything."
Sekiwake Atamifuji finished Day 4 of the 15-day tournament at Fukuoka Kokusai Center as the only wrestler with a perfect 4-0 record after outmuscling new komusubi Churanoumi (1-3).
Fujiryoga (3-1), meanwhile, backed up his victory over Hoshoryu with an impressive win against ozeki Aonishiki (2-2), delivering a powerful opening charge and keeping the Ukrainian star out of his preferred low grappling stance before finishing him off with an overarm throw.
"I went all out and the results were good," said Fujiryoga. "I like to stay on the front foot. I just want to continue that kind of form and the results will come."
Yokozuna Onosato (3-1), gunning for back-to-back championships, was tested by No. 2 maegashira Fujiseiun (1-3), but the six-time Emperor's Cup winner was able to get the job done with a beltless arm throw.
Ozeki Kotozakura (3-1) earned his first win in three attempts against No. 1 maegashira Asanoyama (1-3), securing a strong belt grip and forcing the veteran former ozeki over the straw bales.
Mongolian-born ozeki Kirishima (3-1) bounced back from his first loss with a win against No. 3 maegashira Takayasu (1-3), while sekiwake Fujinokawa (1-3) opened his account by thrusting down komusubi Yoshinofuji (2-2).
