Yokozuna Hakuho nailed down another impressive win July 13 at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament as ozeki rivals Baruto and Harumafuji slipped by their opponents to also remain undefeated after six days.
Hakuho had absolutely no problem showing No. 2 maegashira Okinoumi to the exit. The yokozuna, who is coming off his worst performance at the top rank the last time out, blazed forward and Okinoumi (0-6) had no choice but to retreat.
Unbeaten Baruto presented No. 3 maegashira Wakakoyu with several openings as he struggled to unleash an effective thrusting attack, but jumped back at just the right instant to claim the win. Wakakoyu had lunged at him, and the Estonian somehow managed to lift his own bulky body off the ground and out of the fray.
Harumafuji took a less flamboyant tack than usual in his bout against sekiwake Goeido, and it nearly cost him. As he and the sekiwake grappled for advantage, Goeido twisted him into a throw. But Harumafuji shifted his center of gravity just in time to send Goeido crashing to the dirt first.
Despite one slip-up at the edge, Kisenosato (5-1) dominated No. 2 maegashira Aoiyama (1-5) all the way in their match. Both wrestlers looked slow as they traded thrusts, but the ozeki had a bit more power and kept on the offensive. In the end, Aoiyama seemed to give up and stepped backward and out.
Kotoshogiku overcame a good fight by No. 3 maegashira Shohozan, who drove the ozeki back to the edge and nearly upended him before succumbing to a superior belt-hold. The deciding factor was Kotoshogiku's right hand, which he finally slipped in after warding off a couple of scares. Though he was able to capitalize on it for the win, it was still a shallow grip.
He is also 5-1, and Shohozan 1-5.
Ozeki Kotooshu kept his winning streak going by taking out sekiwake Tochiozan. After losing on the second day, Kotooshu has been nearly flawless. This bodes well for the Bulgarian, who often drops bouts against his juniors that take him out of contention by the time the tournament really heats up at the end.
Top maegashira Kyokutenho showed his first spark after winning the last tournament in a big surprise to all, but ozeki Kakuryu was able to absorb his attack and turn the tables. Kakuryu is 4-2, but appears to be gaining steam. Kyokutenho has yet to win a match.
Komusubi wrestlers Toyonoshima and Myogiryu paired off, and Myogiryu showed he had the better skills with a winning thrust out.
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