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Ozeki Hoshoryu and Kotozakura will head into the final weekend of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament tied for the lead at 12-1 after both earned momentous victories on Friday.
Hoshoryu won his blockbuster battle with new ozeki Onosato before Kotozakura overpowered former joint leader Takanosho in the final bout of Day 13 at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
The two front-running ozeki are effectively the only contenders left for the title, as they are two wins clear of their nearest rivals and are almost certain to face each other on the 15th and final day.
Hoshoryu (back to camera) defeats Onosato on Day 13 of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament at Fukuoka Kokusai Center on Nov. 22, 2024. (Kyodo)
Mongolian star Hoshoryu needed his wits and composure to stay on top of the leaderboard as he faced one of the pretournament title favorites in the absence of injured yokozuna Terunofuji.
He opened strongly with a thrusting attack before being bulldozed to the edge by 24-year-old powerhouse Onosato (8-5). Bent backward with his feet gripping the inside of the straw bales, Hoshoryu executed a stunning reversal with an arm bar throw.
Kotozakura was also sternly tested by No. 6 maegashira Takanosho (10-3), a former sekiwake aiming to return to the three “sanyaku” ranks below yokozuna. The ozeki was driven backward around the ring before toppling his opponent with an overarm throw.
Kotozakura (R) beats Takanosho on Day 13 of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament at Fukuoka Kokusai Center on Nov. 22, 2024. (Kyodo)
Sekiwake Kirishima (6-7) lost to No. 8 maegashira Gonoyama (10-3) and must win both of his remaining bouts to reach the crucial eight-win benchmark for the 15-day tournament.
Gonoyama anticipated the former ozeki’s attempt at a belt grip and knocked him off balance before pushing him over the edge.
No. 3 maegashira Abi (10-3) remained on the second rung alongside Takanosho and Gonoyama by slapping down No. 16 maegashira Takerufuji (8-5), who won the Osaka tournament in March as a top-division debutant.
Related coverage:
Sumo: Hoshoryu, Kotozakura tie for lead as Takanosho takes 2nd loss
Sumo: Takanosho beats new ozeki Onosato to stay in 3-way title race
Sumo: Birthday boy Kotozakura downs Tobizaru to keep share of lead