Sumo- 2017 Kyūshū Basho

[jnight]

Day 1

Yokozuna Kisenosato's comeback got off to a losing start as he fell to Tamawashi on Sunday, the first day of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.

Kisenosato, returning to competition after missing all or part of the past three meets, was charged out of the ring by the No. 1 maegashira as the 15-day meet at Fukuoka Kokusai Center kicked off.

The Tagonoura stable wrestler had been suffering from upper arm and chest muscle injuries sustained at March's Spring meet, and pulled out of the May and July tournaments. He sat out the entire Autumn tourney in September along with fellow grand champions Hakuho and Kakuryu, the latter of whom is not competing in Fukuoka.

Kisenosato is gunning for his third grand tournament championship, although only four wrestlers since 1958 who have missed matches in three or more straight meets have gone on to win their comeback tournaments. The only Japan-born yokozuna, Kisenosato, will take on newly promoted komusubi Onosho on Monday.

Tamawashi will meet Mongolian grand champion Hakuho, who beat komusubi Kotoshogiku to start his bid for a record 40th championship. Hakuho, who set a record in July by winning his 1,050th career bout, missed September's tournament due to pain in his left knee.

Earlier in the day, Aminishiki, the oldest wrestler to regain promotion to the elite makuuchi division at the age of 39, dominated 26-year-old maegashira Kotoyuki.

After a pair of false starts by Kotoyuki, Aminishiki held onto his opponent's belt and threw him down.

"I'm so grateful to return..." said the Isegahama stable wrestler. "Coming back to the makuuchi division has been my goal for a while, so I'm really glad."

Later in the day, Takayasu, fighting as a demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki after missing September's tournament, pushed second-ranked maegashira Chiyotairyu to the ground, sealing the win in a heartbeat. Takayasu needs seven more wins to secure a winning record -- and his ozeki rank for the next tournament.

In the day's final bout, yokozuna Harumafuji, the winner of the Autumn tourney, lost his second straight bout by "hatakikomi" slap down to Onosho, who beat him in September. The 21-year-old komusubi got the better of the initial charge. When the yokozuna tried to shove his way back into the bout, he planted his right foot and shoved but it slipped and he fell to the surface.

[jnight]

Day 2

Yokozuna Kisenosato displayed his confidence, beating Onosho at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday, for his first win since he returned to the raised ring after missing all or part of the past three meets.

Kisenosato improved to 1-1 on the second day of the 15-day meet at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, while fellow grand champion Harumafuji suffered a second straight defeat, losing to No. 1 maegashira Takakeisho.

In their first career bout, Kisenosato twisted Onosho down. The newly promoted komusubi had defeated grand champion Harumafuji the previous day.

The only Japan-born yokozuna, Kisenosato had been suffering from upper arm and chest muscle injuries sustained at March's Spring meet, which forced him to pull out of the May and July tournaments and miss the entire September tourney, which also witnessed the withdrawal of two rival yokozuna, Hakuho and Kakuryu.

The 21-year-old Onosho has gone 10-5 in each of the past three tourneys since making his debut in the elite makuuchi division in May.

Harumafuji, the winner of the September tourney, was overpowered by Takakeisho (1-1) when pushed to the edge of the ring. The maegashira also defeated him in the September tourney, when the yokozuna was the lone grand champion in the tournament.

In the day's final bout, Hakuho (2-0), continued to look solid in his bid for a record 40th championship by taking down No. 1 maegashira and fellow Mongolian Tamawashi (1-1).

Takayasu (2-0), who is fighting as a demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki, charged No. 2 maegashira Tochiozan (0-2) out of the ring without allowing his opponent to take a hold of the ozeki's belt.

Takayasu, who made his ozeki debut in July, pulled out of September's Autumn meet due to a right-thigh injury and needs six more wins to maintain his elite status in the banzuke rankings for January.

Earlier, sekiwake Terunofuji (0-2), who was demoted after competing as ozeki in 14 straight meets, lost to No. 3 maegashira Shohozan (2-0). He needs to win 10 of his remaining 13 bouts to regain his ozeki standing.

[jnight]

Day 3

The three yokozuna competing at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament had mixed fates on Tuesday, with Kisenosato and Hakuho winning convincingly, while Harumafuji was forced to pull out after the alleged assault of a fellow wrestler.

Kisenosato (2-1) swept past No. 2 maegashira Chiyotairyu (1-2) on the third day of the 15-day meet at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

Kisenosato, who missed all or part of the past three meets due to injuries, pushed Chiyotairyu out of the raised ring to stay in contention for his third makuuchi division championship.

Earlier in the day, Harumafuji (0-3), the winner of the Autumn tourney, withdrew from the meet after reports came to light that he had assaulted and injured No.8 maegashira Takanoiwa last month in a drunken brawl.

He is suspected of striking fellow Mongolian Takanoiwa with a beer bottle, forcing him to pull out of the tournament due to a skull injury.

With Harumafuji out, the Kyushu tourney has witnessed the absence of two yokozuna. Kakuryu withdrew from the tournament due to lower back and right ankle pain, missing part or all of a tournament for the fourth consecutive time.

The only yokozuna with a perfect record in this tourney is Hakuho (3-0), who is gunning for an unprecedented 40th championship. The Mongolian grand champion took down top-ranked maegashira Takakeisho (1-2) by gripping his mawashi and charging him toward the edge, giving a final push that made his opponent fall backwards.

He is among the six wrestlers who have come this far without a loss.

Takayasu (3-0), who competes as a demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki, kept his hopes of maintaining his elite ranking when he defeated newly promoted komusubi Onosho (1-2). He can retain his ozeki status with five more wins in the remaining 12 days.

In the day's first bout, Daiamami (1-2), who is making his elite makuuchi division debut, pulled off his first win by beating 2nd-ranked juryo Kyokushuho (1-2).

The 24-year-old Oitekaze stable wrester grabbed onto Kyokushuho's belt with his left hand and charged him out in a matter of moments.

"I'm happy, I want to win as many bouts as possible," Daiamami said. "I want to fight with strength and confidence."

[jnight]

Day 4

Yokozuna Hakuho stayed unbeaten at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament when he manhandled Chiyotairyu on Wednesday, along with the two ozeki who retained their spotless records in a share of the early lead in Fukuoka.

Hakuho (4-0), who is gunning for his record 40th title, made quick work of the No. 2 maegashira as he wrapped his arms around his opponent and easily heaved him over the straw bales to a third defeat at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

Fellow grand champion Kisenosato (2-2), meanwhile, rued another bitter defeat in an ineffectual display against top-ranked maegashira Takakeisho.

Hakuho is among five wrestlers who remain undefeated.

Kisenosato, who missed all or part of the past three tourneys due to injury, saw himself on the outs when Takakeisho (2-2) unleashed a fierce thrusting attack.

The Kyushu meet is taking place without Kakuryu, who withdrew due to injury, and fellow yokozuna Harumafuji, the winner of the September tourney.

Harumafuji was involved in a drunken brawl late last month that left fellow Mongolian competitor Takanoiwa hospitalized with serious injuries. The police have launched a probe after receiving a damage report from Takanoiwa's stable master.

Takayasu (4-0), who is fighting as a demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki, received a boisterous applause when he beat No. 3 maegashira Shohozan (2-2) in a bout lasting more than a minute. The two wrestlers tried to grab onto their opponent's mawashi, but Takayasu managed to gain the advantage for a frontal force out.

In order to maintain his status at sumo's second-highest rank, Takayasu needs to post four more wins in the meet.

Goeido (4-0), who lost to Harumafuji in a playoff on the final day of the Autumn tournament, remains in contention for his second championship after beating No. 1 maegashira Tamawashi (2-2).

Earlier in the day, two maegashira who entered the day with perfect records had an anticlimactic finish when fifth-ranked maegashira Arawashi (3-1) stepped over the edge while throwing No. 4 maegashira Ichinojo (4-0) in dramatic fashion.

No. 13 maegashira Aminishiki, the oldest wrestler to regain promotion to the elite makuuchi division at 39, is also sitting pretty at 4-0.

[jnight]

Day 5-

Yokozuna Hakuho improved to 5-0 on Thursday, the fifth day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.

Seeking to extend his record for most career championships with his 40th, Hakuho showed more nerves than usual in dispatching winless No. 2 maegashira Tochiozan. The yokozuna gave the bout a surprise, when he jumped the gun and slammed into his opponent on a false start.

When things got underway for good, the yokozuna looked less poised than usual. He pinned his opponent back with a left hand to the throat before spinning him around and pushing him out. As Tochiozan was teetering at ring's edge, Hakuho delivered an uncharacteristically vicious shove to punctuate his victory.

The win left the Mongolian master in a three-way tie for first place with ozeki Goeido and No. 13 maegashira Aminishiki.

Goeido and fellow ozeki Takayasu each started the day with a perfect 4-0 record, but while Goeido made a narrow escape, Takayasu suffered an awkward first defeat.

Goeido was driven back to the straw by a ferocious charge from 21-year-old komusubi Onosho (1-4), but the ozeki retreated faster than Onosho could pursue. As Onosho lunged for one final shove to propel the backpedaling Goeido from the ring, he overextended himself and was easily pushed to the surface before the ozeki stepped out of the ring.

Takayasu forced Tamawashi back on the initial charge, slapping him back but failing to get a belt hold. The Mongolian No. 1 maegashira fought back, stopped the ozeki's progress and began moving forward.

Takayasu attempted to hold his ground but found no traction on the sandy surface. He slid backward and was easily spun around and shoved out. With his win, Tamawashi celebrated his 33rd birthday by improving to 10-6 against the ozeki.

Yokozuna Kisenosato barely earned his third win after being dominated by No. 3 maegashira Shohozan (2-3). The maegashira shoved the ozeki to the ring's edge three times but was unable to put him away.

On the brink of defeat for the third time, Kisenosato managed to tiptoe backward along the top of the straw bales, while wrapping up his opponent's torso. Using Shohozan's momentum to his own advantage, Kisenosato twisted the maegashira out to defeat.

Among the rank-and-file maegashira wrestlers, Mongolian No. 4 Ichinojo suffered his first loss at the hands of No. 6 Chiyoshoma (3-2). This left Aminishiki with the only other perfect record.

Aminishiki, the oldest wrestler to regain promotion to the top-flight makuuchi division after being demoted, ousted No. 14 maegashira and makuuchi debutant Daiamami (1-4).

[jnight]

Day 6-

Yokozuna Hakuho improved to 6-0 on Friday, when he seized the sole lead after six days of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.

A day after his poise failed him and he had to rely on brute strength to overcome his opponent, the Mongolian master pressed No. 3 maegashira Shohozan (2-4) back to the straw and finished his opponent with a throw as both toppled out of the ring.

With both men trying to throw the other in the same direction, Hakuho had the upper hand, sending Shohozan down first with an overarm throw. Hakuho improved his career record against Shohozan to 13-0.

The yokozuna started the day tied with two other wrestlers, ozeki Goeido and No. 13 maegashira Aminishiki, but both fell by the wayside to leave the Mongolian in pole position.

Goeido suffered a narrow defeat to No. 2 maegashira Chiyotairyu (2-4). The ozeki adopted a defensive approach and was able to outmaneuver his much larger opponent, but hesitated to attack when Chiyotairyu was off balance.

With both wrestlers teetering near the edge, Goeido attempted to slap the maegashira and topple him, but instead sacrificed his own balance and fell backward out of the ring.

"For a long time, I hadn't executed my style of sumo," said Chiyotairyu after his first win over an ozeki in four years. "Today's result was a lucky one, but I'll try to stay fit as I move forward."

The other ozeki, Takayasu, suffered his second straight loss after starting the tournament at 4-0. In an artless slap fest, Takayasu appeared to lose his concentration at a crucial juncture, let down his guard with his heels to the straw and was easily pushed out by No. 1 maegashira Takakeisho (4-2).

Yokozuna Kisenosato won his second straight bout to improve to 4-2 and avoid falling further out of the lead. Kisenosato drove winless No. 2 maegashira Tochiozan back with his initial charge but failed to power him out. The yokozuna then changed tactics. He lured Tochiozan into taking a step toward the middle of the ring and twisted him down to defeat.

Sekiwake Mitakeumi stayed one back of the leaders with a win over komusubi Onosho (1-5). In a slapping and shoving match that ebbed and flowed across the sandy surface from one edge of the ring to another, both wrestlers attacked and counterattacked until Mitakeumi was able to dodge his opponent's lunge and slap him to the surface.

Aminishiki, a 39-year-old fan favorite because of his remarkable comeback story, fell to No. 11 maegashira Asanoyama (2-4) in their first career bout. The 23-year-old Asanoyama, competing in his second tournament in the elite makuuchi division, proved just a hair quicker, and that allowed him to turn the tables on Aminishiki.

The oldest wrestler to return to the top flight after being demoted, Aminishiki is competing at this level for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon in the May 2016 Summer tourney.

[jnight]

Day 7-

The Mongolian grand champion faced newly-promoted komusubi Onosho (1-6), who has been winless since defeating yokozuna Kisenosato on the first day of the 15-day meet at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

Onosho charged toward Hakuho, but the yokozuna continued his smooth progress toward a record 40th championship when he thrust his opponent down with little effort.

In the day's final bout, Kisenosato (4-3), who is seeking his first Emperor's Cup since he won the March's tourney in his yokozuna debut, was defeated by third-ranked maegashira Hokutofuji (6-1).

Hokutofuji pushed the grand champion around the dohyo in a show of force. Wrapped up in his opponent's arms and running out of room, Kisenosato stepped backward out of the ring under pressure.

Seven wrestlers, including Hokutofuji, started the day one win behind Hakuho, but only five improved their record to 6-1.

Aminishiki (6-1), who made his comeback in the elite makuuchi division at the age of 39, defeated 38-year-old Takekaze (2-5) in a clash of the two wrestlers at No. 13 maegashira.

Aminishiki showed his dominance and strength when he held onto Takekaze's head and slapped him down the raised ring to stay in contention for his first championship. It was their 32nd career bout, and Aminishiki now holds a 17-15 advantage.

Farther up the pecking order, No. 5 maegashira Arawashi (6-1) was charged toward the edge of the dohyo by No. 7 Daishomaru (2-5), but held on and forced his opponent out. No. 12 Okinoumi and fourth-ranked Ichinojo were also among the wrestlers with 6-1 records.

Meanwhile, Ozeki Goeido suffered his second loss, falling to No. 3 maegashira Shohozan (3-4).

[jnight]

Day 8-

Hakuho is still on track for a record 40th championship after defeating No. 3 maegashira Hokutofuji (6-2) in the 15-day event at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

The two wrestlers held onto the other's mawashi belt, but Hakuho's left-handed grip over Hokutofuji's arm proved superior. The Mongolian yokozuna then displayed his skill and confidence in nudging his opponent over the straw bales.

Meanwhile, yokozuna Kisenosato (4-4) continued to suffer. He fell to his second consecutive loss when he was forced out of the raised ring by Mongolian No. 4 maegashira Ichinojo (7-1).

Ichinojo, as well as two others -- No. 12 maegashira Okinoumi and Mongolian No. 5 maegashira Arawashi-- trail Hakuho by one win.

Okinoumi (7-1) was surrendered a belt hold to No. 14 maegashira Daiamami (2-6), but Daiamami, a debutant in the elite makuuchi division, stepped out while being pushed backward by Okinoumi. Arawashi (7-1), meanwhile, took down No. 8 maegashira Chiyomaru (3-5).

Earlier, fan favorite Aminishiki (6-2) suffered his second loss of the tournament when popular No. 9 maegashira Endo (5-3) charged him toward the edge. The 39-year-old No. 13 maegashira tried to cling on, but the 27-year-old Endo pushed him in the chest to seal the win in seconds.

The competition is being held in the absence of six wrestlers including yokozuna Harumafuji and Kakuryu.

No. 11 maegashira Aoiyama (2-2-4) returned to the raised ring after withdrawing due to a right-ankle injury sustained on the second day. Aoiyama, who received the Fighting Spirit Prize at the July tourney, when he went 13-2, made a strong comeback when he slapped down No. 7 maegashira Daishomaru (2-6).

Ozeki Takayasu and Goeido, who both started the day at 5-2, experienced different results.

Goeido (6-2) beat No. 4 maegashira Chiyonokuni (1-7) with a frontal push out to drop into a tie with five others.

Takayasu (5-3), who fights as a demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki, fell forward on his hands when trying to stop sekiwake Yoshikaze (4-4) from slapping him.

[jnight]

Day 9-

Hakuho (9-0) faced fourth-ranked maegashira Chiyonokuni (1-8) and he wrapped up their second career encounter in a heartbeat at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

The yokozuna held Chiyonokuni's mawashi belt and pulled him forward before the maegashira had the chance to extend his arms.

Hakuho won the Nagoya tourney in July when he topped the all-time wins list by surpassing former ozeki Kaio's record of 1,047. However, the yokozuna missed the entire Autumn meet in September due to knee pain.

In the day's final bout, No. 5 maegashira Takarafuji (4-5) sentenced yokozuna Kisenosato (4-5) to his third straight loss when he beat him with an underarm throw.

Three wrestlers -- No. 5 maegashira Arawashi, No. 12 Okinoumi, and No. 4 Ichinojo -- started the day one win behind Hakuho but they all lost and dropped into a group of six wrestlers with 7-2 records.

Arawashi lost to No. 2 maegashira Tochiozan (1-8) in a redo of their initial bout after the two wrestlers stepped out of the ring at the same time. On their second try, Arawashi seemed to have the advantage when he charged Tochiozan toward the edge, but Tochiozan turned around and slapped him down.

Okinoumi was robbed of his chance of an eighth straight win by No. 14 maegashira Kotoyuki (4-5) when the lower-ranked Kotoyuki held onto his arm and pulled him forward. Ichinojo, who defeated Kisenosato on Sunday, was forced out of the ring by seventh-ranked Daishomaru (3-6).

The two ozeki in the tournament improved their records while fighting sekiwake wrestlers.

Goeido (7-2) almost lost balance and stepped out of the dohyo when Yoshikaze (4-5) charged with force. However, he pulled himself together and pushed the sekiwake from behind to claim back-to-back victories.

Takayasu (6-3), who is fighting as a demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki, defeated Mitakeumi (5-4) when he slapped down the fan favorite sekiwake to the dohyo. Takayasu needs two more wins to secure a winning record and his status.

[jnight]

Day 10-

The only grand champion left in the 15-day tournament following Kisenosato's withdrawal earlier in the day, Hakuho (10-0) broke up a mid-ring stalemate and kicked Ichinojo (7-3) in the knee before flooring the fourth-ranked maegashira with a textbook "uwatenage" overarm throw.

Hakuho, who is seeking a record-extending 40th career championship title, is two wins clear of rank-and-filers Okinoumi and Hokutofuji.

Twelfth-ranked maegashira Okinoumi (8-2) bounced back from defeat to shove out seventh-ranked Daishomaru (3-7) and secure a majority of wins.

No. 3 Hokutofuji (8-2) pulled out a hard-earned eighth win, surviving three vicious attacks from Chiyotairyu (4-6) before barging out the second-ranked grappler.

But Goeido's (7-3) title hopes took another hit when the ozeki was slapped down to a third defeat at the hands of sekiwake Mitakeumi, who improved to 6-4.

Ozeki Takayasu (7-3) yanked down komusubi Kotoshogiku, sentencing the former ozeki to a losing 2-8 record in the process.

Kisenosato pulled out meet due to pain in his left ankle and lower back, his stablemaster Tagonoura said earlier Tuesday.

Kisenosato, 31, suffered a third straight loss Monday that left his record at 4-5 at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, equaling Musashimaru's all-time record by giving up five "kinboshi," or losses to rank-and-file wrestlers, in a single tournament.

It is the fourth consecutive meet from which the Japan-born yokozuna has withdrawn and fifth time in his career. He lost by default Tuesday's scheduled bout against fourth-ranked maegashira Chiyonokuni (2-8).

Since his yokozuna promotion following victory at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in January, there has only been one tournament in which Kisenosato competed all 15 days.

Of the two other yokozuna, Kakuryu withdrew before the start of the tournament because of injury while Harumafuji pulled out on the third day after admitting he had assaulted another sumo wrestler.

It is the second time in as many meets that three yokozuna ended up on the casualty list. Harumafuji, who won the autumn basho in September, was the sole yokozuna competing at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan after the other three pulled out due to injuries.



Grand champion Kisenosato has pulled out of the ongoing Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament due to pain in his left ankle and lower back, his stablemaster Tagonoura said Tuesday.

Kisenosato, 31, suffered a third straight loss Monday that left his record at 4-5 in the 15-day meet at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, equaling Musashimaru's all-time record by giving up five "kinboshi," or losses to rank-and-file wrestlers, in a single tournament.

It is the fourth consecutive tournament from which the Japan-born yokozuna has withdrawn and fifth time in his career. He forfeits Tuesday's scheduled bout against fourth-ranked maegashira Chiyonokuni.

Since his yokozuna promotion following victory at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in January, there has only been one tournament in which Kisenosato competed all 15 days.

"He doesn't have the strength he needs. He was trying to deliver good results but it's not turning out the way he had hoped," Tagonoura said.

"I'm very sorry but we decided there was no option but to withdraw. I hope to find a way to pull through this together," he said.

The Japan Sumo Association received a medical statement saying Kisenosato's injury, which includes ligament damage in his left foot, requires a recovery period of one month.

Kisenosato's withdrawal leaves only one of the four grand champions, Hakuho, competing in the meet in Fukuoka, the last of six sumo tournaments in the year. Hakuho, who is bidding for a record 40th career championship, is undefeated at 9-0.

Of the two other yokozuna, Kakuryu withdrew before the start of the tournament because of injury while Harumafuji pulled out on the third day after admitting he had assaulted another sumo wrestler.

It is the second time in as many meets that three yokozuna ended up on the absentee list. Harumafuji, who won the autumn basho in September, was the sole yokozuna competing at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan after the other three pulled out due to injuries.

[jnight]

Day- 11

Hakuho got quickly rammed out by sekiwake Yoshikaze in the day's final bout at Fukuoka Kokusai Center but in a rare act unfitting of a yokozuna, raised his arm in protest at the referee's decision.

Hakuho took his foot off the pedal after the charge, suggesting he thought Yoshikaze (6-5) had made a "matta" false start. He left the ring shaking his head in disbelief after dropping to 10-1.

"The yokozuna thought it was a matta and eased up but I heard even more clearly than usual the referee say "nokotta" (you're still in it)," said Yoshikaze.

"I got the okay so just had to keep charging forward. I will try and wrestle well for the remaining four days."

Despite the loss, Hakuho, the only yokozuna left in the tournament, is one win ahead of rank-and-filers Hokutofuji and Okinoumi and remains the odds-on favorite to secure what would be the 40th championship title of his career.

Third-ranked maegashira Hokutofuji (9-2) outmuscled ozeki Goeido (7-4) and put him on his backside to keep his title hopes alive, while No. 12 maegashira Okinoumi stayed in contention after forcing out same-ranked Kagayaki (6-5) in the day's second makuuchi bout.

Ozeki Takayasu (8-3) secured a winning record after comfortably dispatching towering Mongolian No. 4 maegashira Ichinojo (7-4). Sekiwake Mitakeumi improved to 7-4 thanks to an oshidashi frontal push out win against second-ranked Chiyotairu (4-7).

Wrestling for pride after suffering a majority of losses, struggling komusubi Kotoshogiku (3-8) huffed and puffed his way past top-ranked maegashira Takakeisho for a third win. Takakeisho dropped to 7-4.

[jnight]

Day 12-

Hakuho (11-1), the only yokozuna remaining in the 15-day meet, ushered sekiwake Mitakeumi (7-5) out of the ring in 2.1 seconds, the day's shortest match at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

A day after suffering his lone defeat, to sekiwake Yoshikaze, Hakuho maintained his one-win lead over No. 12 maegashira Okinoumi and No. 3 Hokutofuji. Hakuho is aiming for a record-extending 40th career championship in a grand tournament where the other three yokozuna, Kisenosato, Kakuryu and Harumafuji, have all pulled out.

Okinoumi (10-2) overpowered 39-year-old No. 13 maegashira Aminishiki (7-5) in the day's first bout. Aminishiki, the oldest wrestler to fight his way back into the elite makuuchi division, was forced back to the edge of the ring. He attempted to throw Okinoumi, but the 32-year-old held on tight and pushed his opponent out.

Meanwhile, Hokutofuji (10-2) defeated ozeki Takayasu (8-4) when he pulled his opponent forward in their third career encounter.

"I was able to win the way I imagined," Hokutofuji said. "I'm in a really good shape this meet, so I will do my best in my remaining bouts."

Fourth-ranked maegashira Ichinojo (8-4) secured his winning record by beating ozeki Goeido (7-5). The two wrestlers held each other's belts in the center of the raised ring, but the Mongolian earned the victory with an overarm throw.

Fan-favorite No. 9 maegashira Endo won his sixth straight bout, defeating No. 15 Myogiryu (6-6) with a textbook "oshidashi" frontal push and is the only wrestler with a 9-3 record.

Fifth-ranked maegashira Arawashi (8-4) and top-ranked Takakeisho (8-4) secured winning records as they beat No. 10 Kaisei (7-5) and No. 1 Tamawashi (8-4), respectively.

[jnight]

Day 13-

Hakuho (12-1), the lone yokozuna competing at the 15-day meet, twice came close to tasting defeat. After the initial charge, Hakuho tried to shove his opponent out of the ring, but Takarafuji dodged and the yokozuna was barely able to put on the brakes before stepping out at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

The yokozuna spun around in the nick of time to face his opponent, but the No. 5 maegashira was able to get a hand on the back of Hakuho's belt and thrust him across the ring. But the Mongolian somehow kept his feet and Takarafuji failed to pursue quickly enough to shove him out. Sensing the urgency, Takarafuji sacrificed balance for speed, but as he rushed forward Hakuho easily slapped him down to his sixth loss.

The yokozuna walked away with a wry smile, acknowledging his close shave. Hakuho is gunning for his record-extending 40th championship, and his first since the July tourney in Nagoya. He missed the entire Autumn meet due to pain in his ankle.

No. 12 maegashira Okinoumi and his Hakkaku stablemate Hokutofuji maintained their winning ways to stay one win back of the yokozuna with 11-2 records.

Okinoumi drew a huge cheer from the crowd with his win over No. 6 Tochinoshin (7-6). Tochinoshin was in command, with both hands on his opponent's belt and steering him toward the edge. But the Georgian failed to finish as well as he started, and Okinoumi calmly staved off defeat with a slick underarm throw at ring's edge.

Meanwhile, No. 3 Hokutofuji charged Yoshikaze (6-7) out of the ring in their sixth career encounter, earning his fifth straight win and improving his career record against the sekiwake to 4-2.

Goeido (8-5) secured a winning record by default after fellow ozeki Takayasu (8-5) pulled out of the tournament due to thigh injury. The gift win saw the ozeki snap a three-match losing streak.

Takayasu, who was fighting as a demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki, picked up his eighth win on Wednesday to ensure his place in sumo's second-highest rank.

[jnight]

Day 14-

Hakuho began the penultimate day of the 15-day event at Fukuoka Kokusai Center one win ahead of No. 3 maegashira Hokutofuji and No. 12 Okinoumi but neither could maintain the pressure on the Mongolian master, who triumphed in the day's final bout.

With everything on his shoulders, the yokozuna, who sat out September's grand tournament with ankle pain, plowed out No. 9 maegashira Endo (9-5) to improve to 13-1 and clinch his championship with one day remaining.

Hakuho overpowered Endo on the initial charge so completely that the yokozuna nearly lost his balance on the sandy surface before he could complete his victory.

"I was motivated (after my two challengers' defeats), and I was able to execute my techniques," Hakuho said. "In March, at a meeting of my support group much was made of winning a 40th championship this year. I was able to make it in my final chance and I'm happy with the accomplishment."

"When you come back from a break (in September) you are concerned about losing. I was anxious about that. But I did my rehab properly so I could put on a good show for the fans."

In a clash of up-and-coming youngsters the 25-year-old Hokutofuji (11-3) lost to 21-year-old Onosho (7-7), fighting at sumo's fourth highest rank, komusubi, for the first time.

Onosho was forced back to the straw on the charge. A full-blooded shove nearly pushed him out. But while the komusubi slipped off to one side and teetered on the brink, Hokutofuji's momentum carried him to the edge of the straw. Onosho recovered first and supplied the shove needed to end it.

Okinoumi (11-3) lost a clash of veterans with top-ranked maegashira Tamawashi (10-4). Okinoumi, however, looked tight on the initial charge, and was forced back to the straw. He fought back from the edge but plowed forward out of control. Tamawashi stayed one step ahead of him in his retreat and was able to slap the onrushing Okinoumi to the sandy surface.

The victory leveled the 33-year-old Tamawashi's record against the 32-year-old Okinoumi at 9-9.

Aminishiki, who made history in this tournament at the age of 39 as the oldest wrestler ever to fight his way back into the elite makuuchi division after demotion, failed to earn a crucial eighth win.

The No. 13 maegashira tried to outflank the much-larger, 26-year-old Chiyomaru (6-8), who kept his opponent squarely to his front and gradually forced him back. Aminishiki tried to slap and shove at his 191-kilogram opponent but could neither budge him nor get around him and eventually was shoved out.

Kyushu Basho: Day 14 Makuuchi Results

[jnight]

Day 15-

A day after yokozuna Hakuho wreapped up the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament championship, 13th-ranked Aminshiki provided the final day's drama on Sunday.

Back in the elite makuuchi division for the first time in a year since he ruptured his left Achilles tendon on May 9, 2016, the 39-year-old secured a winning 8-7 mark by throwing down No. 6 Chiyoshoma (7-8) at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

The oldest wrestler to re-earn admission to the makuuchi division, Aminishiki latched onto Chiyoshoma's belt as the two game to grips at mid-ring. Using his right overarm hold, Aminishiki spun the Mongolian around by the upper body until his legs could no longer keep him upright.

After first 10 days of the tournament, Aminishiki held a 7-3 record, one win from locking up a place for himself in the upper division for the next tournament in January. But he lost four straight.

"There was nothing to do but keep plugging away," he said as tears flowed in his postmatch interview. "My family battling by my side made this possible, but (those losses) showed my numerous weaknesses). I was plagued with doubt. But in the end was able to perform good sumo and this was the final result."

Aminishiki's epic comeback was recognized with a Fighting Spirit prize, his first since he made his makuuchi debut in July, 2000 at the age of 21.

"I never imagined this would come my way," he said. "I'm grateful."

Joining Aminishiki as winners of the three special prizes were the two rank-and-file maegashira wrestlers who took the championship race down to the penultimate day: 27-year-old No. 3 Hokutofuji and 32-year-old No. 12 Okinoumi, his Hakkaku stablemate. Both finished the tournament with two straight losses to finish at 11-4.

Okinoumi received his third career Fighting Spirit prize, while Hokutofuji, who claimed the scalps of one yokozuna and two ozeki, won a Technique prize, the first special prize of his career.

Top-ranked maegashira Takakeisho, who vanquished one ozeki and a pair of yokozuna, won the Outstanding Performance prize for the second straight tournament.

In other results, Onosho defeated No. 5 maegashira Takarafuji (7-8) to secure a winning record in his debut at komusubi, sumo's fourth-highest rank. In the year's finale, Hakuho (14-1) outlasted ozeki Goeido (9-6) in an intense battle and finished him with an overarm throw.

"I came to this country as a 62-kilogram, 15-year-old boy that nobody would have predicted would be where I am now," said Hakuho after receiving his trophy.

"The sumo gods and this country made me into a 40-time champion."