Sumo- 2018 Nagoya Basho

[jnight]

Day 1-

Yokozuna Kakuryu, looking for his third straight championship, was dominating on Sunday, the first day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.

The Mongolian managed to corral livewire komusubi Shohozan and thrust him out in the opening day finale of the 15-day meet at Dolphins Arena. The yokozuna's win was his 13th in 15 career bouts against Shohozan.

All the big guns, save for ozeki Goeido and sekiwake Ichinojo, joined Kakuryu with first-day wins.

Yokozuna Hakuho, seeking to extend his record championship haul to 41, needed all his skill to outlast Mongolian compatriot Tamawashi. The komusubi recovered from a seemingly untenable position to grab the yokozuna's belt with both hands.

Despite having his heels back against the straw bales, Hakuho somehow escaped his opponent's grasp and executed a perfect beltless arm throw.

Tochinoshin overpowered Ikioi, who won the battle to keep the new ozeki from securing an underarm belt hold, but lost the war as the Georgian used brute force to plow him out.

"That worked out. I wrestled well and got off to a good start," said Tochinoshin, who took advantage of his opponent's distraction to dominate the bout.

Ozeki Takayasu, who is coming off injury and needs eight wins to avoid forfeiting his rank, got off to a winning start against former ozeki and current No. 1 maegashira Kotoshogiku. Although Kotoshogiku had the best of the early going, Takayasu was able to anticipate his opponent's moves, get on his flank and haul him down.

Like Takayasu, Goeido entered the tournament as a "kadoban ozeki" whose status at sumo's second-highest rank is in jeopardy after a losing record in May.

Goeido was about to throw No. 1 maegashira Shodai from the ring by his belt. But the ozeki's right hand slipped, and he found himself on the edge of the straw with his back to Shodai, who propelled him out with a tap.

Mitakeumi marked his return as a sekiwake with a comprehensive win, shoving out No. 3 maegashira Abi. The 25-year-old Mitakeumi went 9-6 in May as a komusubi after spending the previous five tournaments as a sekiwake.

His sekiwake partner, 225-kilogram Mongolian Ichinojo was embarrassed by No. 2 maegashira Chiyonokuni, who took forever to touch the surface with his hand and start action. Ichinojo appeared to fall asleep during the interlude, and the 145-kg Chiyonokuni's charge struck home while the Mongolian was still in his crouch.

[jnight]

Day 2-

Newly promoted ozeki Tochinoshin rolled to another victory on Monday, the second day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament. Grand champions Hakuho and Kakuryu also remained unbeaten in the 15-day meet at Dolphins Arena.

Tochinoshin (2-0), who aims to become the first wrestler since Hakuho in 2006 to win his ozeki debut tournament, easily dispatched Chiyonokuni (1-1). The No. 2 maegashira slapped Tochinoshin's face, but Tochinoshin remained calm and shoved Chiyonokuni out of the ring.

Yokozuna Kakuryu (2-0) remained on course for his third straight title in a solid bout against top-ranked maegashira Kotoshogiku (0-2). A former ozeki, Kotoshogiku charged Kakuryu toward the edge, but the yokozuna turned and executed a textbook overarm throw.

In the day's final bout, Hakuho, seeking to extend his record championship haul to 41, did not give top-ranked maegashira Shodai (1-1) room to breathe. After a false start, the grand champion held Shodai's belt and forced him out with ease.

Mongolians Kakuryu and Hakuho are the only yokozuna competing here after Japanese yokozuna Kisenosato pulled out of this meet due to left chest muscle injury he suffered over a year ago.

Despite suffering mixed fates on Day 1, Takayasu and Goeido, who fight as demotion-threatened ozeki, both won their bouts against komusubi wrestlers.

Goeido (1-1) claimed his first win here by taking Tamawashi's belt with his left hand and forcing him out of the raised ring from behind. Takayasu (2-0) defeated Shohozan after the komusubi slipped when pushing the ozeki toward the edge.

The two "kadoban" ozeki need at least eight wins here to maintain their status at the next grand tournament in September.

Mitakeumi and Ichinojo, in sumo's third-highest rank of sekiwake, defeated maegashira wrestlers.

Mitakeumi quickly dispatched No. 2 Ikioi (0-2) for his second straight win, while Ichinojo (1-1) survived a scare in his bout against No. 3 Abi (0-2).

After the Mongolian Ichinojo pushed Abi toward the edge of the ring, the maegashira turned around to give him a final push. The 225-kilogram Ichinojo, however, did not move an inch and bulldozed his opponent out for his first win of the tournament.

[jnight]

Day 3-

Grand champions Kakuryu and Hakuho, along with newly-promoted ozeki Tochinoshin, each continued their winning streak on Tuesday, the third day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.

Yokozuna Kakuryu (3-0) easily dispatched top-ranked east maegashira Shodai (1-2), while Hakuho (3-0) flipped the west No. 1 Kotoshogiku (0-3) on his back as both grand champions earned their third straight win at Dolphins Arena.

Kakuryu remains on track in his bid for a third-straight top division contest, while Hakuho stands to win a 41st career championship. The Mongolians are competing without Kisenosato following the Japanese yokozuna's record-eighth straight withdrawal.

New ozeki Tochinoshin (3-0) squared off against Shohozan (0-3) and opted to lift the recently-promoted komusubi out of the ring when the Georgian was denied his favored left-handed belt grip.

Tochinoshin is looking for his second makuuchi title and to become the first wrestler since Hakuho in 2006 to win his ozeki debut tournament.

Ozeki Goeido (2-1) earned a win against No. 2 maegashira Ikioi (0-3), while Chiyonokuni (2-1) got a well-deserved birthday present after taking down ozeki Takayasu (2-1) for the first time in five career meetings.

Takayasu held strong through several onslaughts and a critical recovery from the No. 2 maegashira but eventually succumbed as the first to hit the sand when both wrestlers tumbled out of the ring.

The two "kadoban" ozeki need at least eight wins to maintain their rank at the next grand tournament in September.

Tamawashi (1-2), wrestling once again as a komusubi, got the better of the initial charge against sekiwake Ichinojo (1-2) and was able to push the 225-kilogram Mongolian over the straw for his first win of the tournament.

Reinstated sekiwake Mitakeumi (3-0) also stayed undefeated with a win over Takakeisho (1-2), using his shorter opponent's momentum to turn Takakeisho around and knock him down from behind. The pair are now tied after six match-ups.

Only three lower-ranked wrestlers remain unbeaten after three days, including No. 6 Endo, No. 9 Myogiryu, and No. 13 Asanoyama.

[jnight]

Day 4-

Yokozuna Kakuryu suffered his first defeat after an upset loss to Ikioi on Wednesday, the fourth day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.

Kakuryu (3-1) was immediately pushed onto the back foot by the No. 2 maegashira and was unable to recover against a relentless charge from Ikioi (1-3) that forced the yokozuna over the straw.

Kakuryu, aiming for a third straight championship, is the only remaining yokozuna in competition at Dolphins Arena following his Mongolian counterpart Hakuho's withdrawal due to a right knee injury before the start of Wednesday's bouts.

Tochinoshin (4-0) earned his fourth straight victory as a debut ozeki with a win over Abi (1-3) and is now one of only two undefeated wrestlers. The No. 3 maegashira had the Georgian briefly on the ropes before Tochinoshin attempted to lift Abi up by the belt, eventually pushing him out.

Top-ranked maegashira Kotoshogiku (1-3) handed ozeki Goeido (2-2) a second loss and earned his first victory. Goeido narrowly recovered from being pushed from the ring, but Kotoshogiku kept on the ozeki's heels and slapped Goeido down as he slipped.

Meanwhile, Takayasu (3-1), the other of the two "kadoban" ozeki, who need at least eight wins to maintain their status at the next grand tournament in September, was able to easily thrust out No. 1 east maegashira Shodai (1-3) for a third win.

Sekiwake Mitakeumi (4-0) remains the only other undefeated wrestler here after quickly dispatching komusubi Tamawashi (1-3). Mitakeumi improved to 12-2 over the Mongolian, who is aiming for another promotion since losing his sekiwake status after going 9-6 at the New Year meet.

Komusubi Shohozan (1-3) edged out sekiwake Ichinojo (1-3) for his first win despite an 84-kilogram weight disadvantage. The 225-kilogram Mongolian rebounded against Shohozan's fast initial charge but was pushed out on the komusubi's second attempt.

The three lower-ranked wrestlers who went into Day 4 unbeaten -- No. 6 Endo, No. 9 Myogiryu, and No. 13 Asanoyama -- all suffered their first defeats.

[jnight]

Day 5-

Up-and-coming youngster Abi caused an upset Thursday at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament by handing grand champion Kakuryu his second loss.

In the final bout on Day 5, the 24-year-old No. 3 maegashira exchanged a barrage of blows with the Mongolian-born yokozuna before forcing him out backward. Abi improved to 2-3. The victory at Dolphins Arena was Abi's second over a yokozuna in consecutive meets, having beaten Hakuho at May's Summer Grand Sumo Tournament. "I got good support from the fans today. I don't like to lose, so I felt really encouraged as they urged me on," the Saitama native said.

Ozeki Tochinoshin and sekiwake Mitakeumi both maintained perfect records one third of the way through the 15-day tournament.

Fighting in his first meet since being promoted to sumo's second-highest rank, Georgian-born Tochinoshin used his grappling skills to overcome veteran No. 1 maegashira Kotoshogiku (1-4). After an initial false start, the powerful European battled the former ozeki for position from the jump, eventually gaining a belt hold and forcing him out.

Contesting a ninth-straight meet among the three "sanyaku" ranks below yokozuna, Mitakeumi continued his impressive form by overcoming tenacious komusubi Shohozan. Shohozan (1-4) was characteristically quick off the mark as he tried to overcome his opponent's 26-kilogram weight advantage with a speedy attack, but Mitakeumi easily repelled his advance and shoved him out of the ring with his left arm. Mitakeumi, who climbed back to sekiwake after fighting in May as a komusubi, is chasing his first championship.

Ozeki Takayasu improved to 4-1 by slapping down No. 2 Ikioi (1-4). The maegashira, who handed Kakuryu his first loss the day before, launched himself low and hard at Takayasu, but the ozeki reacted smartly, slipping to the slide and sending his opponent to the clay.

Ozeki Goeido bulled his way to victory over No. 2 Chiyonokuni, quickly forcing the maegashira backward after getting a strong inside position from the jump. Chiyonokuni (3-2) was chasing a third win over a sanyaku opponent on the clay in Nagoya but lasted just seconds against the determined Goeido (3-2).

The biggest man in the division, sekiwake Ichinojo, improved to 2-3 with a victory over No. 1 Shodai (1-4). The Mongolian-born behemoth absorbed a barrage of slaps and shoves from the maegashira before thrusting him out with a one-armed shove.

Komusubi Tamawashi (2-3) picked up his second victory by beating No. 3 Takakeisho (2-3) with a thrust down. The Mongolian veteran used his right hand to deflect his opponent's attack and topple him at the edge of the straw.

No. 6 maegashira and fan favorite Endo maintained his bid to climb back to the sanyaku rankings by improving to 4-1 with a victory over No. 4 Kagayaki (2-3).

[jnight]

Day 6

Ozeki Tochinoshin suffered his first loss at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on Friday, leaving sekiwake Mitakeumi the only wrestler at the meet with a perfect record.

In the day's final bout at Dolphins Arena, Tochinoshin (5-1) suffered a shock defeat to komusubi Tamawashi (3-3). The newly promoted ozeki pushed his opponent toward the edge and held onto his mawashi belt with both hands, but Tamawashi wrapped his arm around the Georgian and threw him down.

Mitakeumi (6-0) showcased his strength in a one-sided win against top-ranked maegashira Shodai (1-5). The sekiwake held onto his opponent's belt, pulled him toward the edge and gave him a final push.

Mitakeumi, who climbed back to sekiwake after fighting in May as a komusubi, had lost three straight bouts against Shodai this year. But Friday's win improved Mitakeumi's record against the maegashira to 6-6.

The sixth day of the 15-day tournament opened without a single grand champion in competition. Earlier in the day, Mongolian yokozuna Kakuryu pulled out due to right-elbow injury, joining Kisenosato and Hakuho on the disabled list.

Goeido (4-2) and Takayasu (4-2) are both fighting as demotion-threatened ozeki. No. 3 Abi (2-4), who beat Kakuryu the previous day, almost pushed Goeido out of the ring, but the ozeki stayed calm and threw the maegashira down. Takayasu was defeated by No. 3 Takakeisho (3-3).

The two "kadoban" ozeki need at least eight wins here to maintain their status at the next grand tournament in September.

Among seven wrestlers who started the day with one loss, four maintained their position and remain one win behind the lead.

Fan favorite Endo (5-1) beat Brazilian maegashira Kaisei (4-2) to stay one back. The two wrestlers began the day with 4-1 records, but No. 4 Kaisei slipped and fell backwards after No. 6 Endo pushed him by the neck.

No. 5 Yoshikaze (0-6), who competed as sekiwake in two meets last year, is the only wrestler here who has not won a single bout after losing to No. 5 Daishomaru (2-4).

[jnight]

Day 7-

Sekiwake Mitakeumi stayed unbeaten Saturday to hold onto the sole lead at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.

Fighting in his ninth-straight tournament among the three "sanyaku" rankings beneath grand champion, Mitakeumi kept a breakthrough top-level title in his sights by beating veteran Kotoshogiku on Day 7 at Dolphins Arena.

No. 1 maegashira Kotoshogiku (2-5) came in hard from the jump, but Mitakeumi blocked his attack, gaining an inside grip and digging in at the center of the ring. He then drove Kotoshogiku back to the edge of the straw before forcing him out.

With all three grand champions out injured, the 25-year-old Mitakeumi has a golden opportunity to lift the Emperor's Cup for the first time at the 15-day tournament in Nagoya.

No. 3 Takakeisho (4-3) pulled off the upset of the day by defeating ozeki Goeido (4-3). Goeido tried to slap down the youngster, but Takakeisho showed excellent technique by countering the attack and thrusting the ozeki to the clay.

"I'm just fighting my style of sumo. That's all I'm thinking about," Takakeisho said.

The 21-year-old, who has been touted as a future champion, said he hadn't considered the possibility of a title in Nagoya despite several higher-ranked wrestlers having pulled out with injuries.

"I'm taking it one match at a time, and I don't think about those top guns being out of the tournament," he said.

Ozeki Tochinoshin became the latest to drop out of the tournament after suffering an injury to his right big toe. He fell to 5-2 after forfeiting his match on Day 7 against top-ranked maegashira Shodai (2-5).

The Georgian, who was competing in his first meet since being promoted, may re-enter the competition if his condition improves, according to his stable.

Ozeki Takayasu improved to 5-2 after quickly overpowering No. 3 Abi (2-5). The maegashira opened with a thrusting attack but was unable to budge the charging Takayasu, who drove Abi straight back and out.

Sekiwake Ichinojo improved to 3-4 after forcing out No. 2 Ikioi (2-5). The maegashira came out aggressively but could not move Ichinojo once the 225-kilogram Mongolian set his grip on his opponent's belt.

A trio of wrestlers from further down in the division improved to 6-1 to stay one win off the pace. Sixth-ranked Endo defeated No. 8 Kyokutaisei (1-6), fellow No. 6 Chiyotairyu beat No. 9 Myogiryu (5-2), and No. 13 Asanoyama topped No. 16 Meisei (2-5).

[jnight]

Day 8-

ekiwake Mitakeumi maintained his perfect record and the sole lead Sunday, the midway point of the 15-day meet.

Mitakeumi (8-0) defeated No. 2 maegashira Chiyonokuni (4-4) in the tournament at Dolphins Arena with all three grand champions out of action. Chiyonokuni forced the fan-favorite sekiwake toward the edge and tried to slap him down.

However, Mitakeumi, who has never lost to Chiyonokuni, wrapped his arms around him and forced him out.

"I'm relieved, but I was calm during the bout," Mitakeumi said. "I'm focused on winning each bout at a time, rather than concentrating on winning the championship. I think the key is to sleep well and eat a lot."

The next step in Mitakeumi's pursuit of a first career championship will be No. 5 Daishomaru (3-5). The two wrestlers have split their two career bouts against each other.

Goeido and Takayasu, the two ozeki remaining following Tochinoshin's withdrawal, each won on Sunday.

Goeido (5-3), who made his ozeki debut in September 2014, threw down No. 4 Kaisei (5-3). Takayasu (6-2) charged No. 4 Kagayaki (3-5) toward the edge and shoved him by the throat en route to winning their first career matchup.

Three wrestlers -- No. 13 maegashira Asanoyama, and both sixth-ranked maegashira, Endo and Chiyotairyu -- started the day one win behind Mitakeumi, but only two managed to keep the pace.

Asanoyama (7-1) worked Bulgarian No. 11 Aoiyama (3-5) towards the ridge and with a firm left-handed grip on his belt, calmly sent him out of the dohyo, overcoming his 27-kilogram weight disadvantage.

Fan-favorite Endo (7-1) beat No. 9 Myogiryu (5-3) in a redo after their bout ended with the two wrestlers stepping out of the ring at the same time. Endo was being bulldozed out toward the edge, but resisted and instead forced Myogiryu out.

Chiyotairyu (6-2) fell to No. 9 Yutakayama (5-3). Yutakayama chased the former komusubi around the ring and pushed him out, meeting only minimal resistance.

Sekiwake Ichinojo suffered his fifth loss. The 225-kg Mongolian tried to hold onto No. 3 Takakeisho's mawashi, but the maegashira blocked and twisted him down. Takakeisho improved to 5-3.

[jnight]

Day 9-

Sekiwake Mitakeumi was a man in a hurry on Monday, when he needed just 1.8 seconds to remain unbeaten after nine days of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.

His win over No. 5 maegashira Daishomaru (3-6) left Mitakeumi one win ahead of his closest pursuer, No. 13 maegashira Asanoyama in the 15-day meet at Nagoya's Dolphins Arena.

Mitakeumi charged head on as Daishomaru slipped to his left and hooked his right forearm behind the sekiwake's neck. But Mitakeumi simply pivoted to his right and easily forced his off-balance opponent out of the ring.

Ozeki Takayasu remained two wins behind the leader by winning a bout he should have lost. Komusubi Tamawashi (5-4) forced the ozeki back, seized Takayasu's left arm and was dragging him out of the ring.

But the ozeki escaped his opponent's grasp and spun counterclockwise at the straw bales. Taken by surprise, Tamawashi lunged off-balance to shove Takayasu from the ring, but instead managed only to propel himself forward over the straw.

Goeido (6-3) matched his rival ozeki's great escape with one of his own. No. 4 maegashira Kagayaki (3-6) broke an early stalemate by shoving the ozeki to the straw. When Goeido escaped, Kagayaki pursued him to the other side of the ring. He attempted to tip the ozeki over at the straw with a throw that Goeido survived as the two wrestlers balanced on one leg apiece.

The ozeki, however, regained his footing first, got his left hand around on his opponent's belt and executed a much easier overarm throw to earn the win.

No. 6 maegashira Endo suffered his second loss, getting beaten on the initial charge before eventually being shoved out by No. 9 Yutakayama (6-3). Endo, long a fan favorite, made his opponent wait before starting the bout but made no headway and found himself sliding backward to the straw bales.

Endo countered with a barrage of slaps to his opponent's throat. Yutakayama, however, endured those blows, took a step back, lowered his head and bulldozed Endo out of the ring.

In addition to Takayasu and Endo, No. 13 maegashira Tochiozan is also two wins off the pace at 7-2.

In the day's first makuuchi-division bout, the 165-kilogram Asanoyama improved to 4-0 in his career against 116-kg dynamo Ishiura, who was pushed out to his fifth defeat.

Nagoya Basho: Day 9 Makuuchi Results

Asanoyama is now two wins from matching his best record in the top flight. His best result to date was his 10-5 mark last September in his makuuchi debut.

[jnight]

Day 10-

Sekiwake Mitakeumi remained in sole possession of the lead after earning his 10th straight win on Tuesday at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.

In their first career match-up, Mitakeumi and No. 4 maegashira Kagayaki (3-7) locked up after the initial charge and briefly held their ground. But in a surge of energy, Mitakeumi plowed Kagayaki clear over the straw to earn double-digit wins for the first time since joining the "sanyaku" ranks.

The 25-year-old, who was promoted back to sekiwake after going 9-6 as a komusubi at the Summer tourney in May, is seeking his first top division title at the 15-day meet which has seen all three yokozuna and ozeki Tochinoshin withdraw.

On Wednesday, Mitakeumi will face No. 4 Kaisei, whom he has yet to beat in four matches.

In the final bouts of Day 10, ozeki Takayasu (7-3) was thrown out by Kaisei (7-3), while ozeki Goeido (7-3) beat struggling komusubi Shohozan (2-8) to stay within three wins of the lead.

The two "kadoban" ozeki need at least eight wins to maintain their rank at the next grand tournament in September.

Sekiwake Ichinojo (4-6) handed another defeat to winless Yoshikaze despite a solid effort from the No. 5 maegashira, and komusubi Tamawashi (6-4) earned a win against No. 1 Kotoshogiku (3-7) after the Mongolian sent the former ozeki tumbling out of the ring with a strong armlock throw.

Fan-favorite Endo (7-3) was shoved to his third defeat by No. 2 Chiyonokuni (6-4). The No. 6 maegashira bounced back after being initially pulled off balance, but was forced out by an aggressive follow-up attack.

Chiyonokuni has benefited from two bonus rest days following his default wins on Day 4 and Day 6 against Hakuho and Kakuryu, respectively, who both pulled out with injuries.

Among other lower-ranked wrestlers, No. 13 Tochiozan (8-2) stayed in contention after beating No. 15 Ishiura (4-6) to earn a fourth straight win.

"I'm happy and relieved. I do pretty good at the Nagoya tournament," Tochiozan said. "My body is moving well, and I'm able to put pressure on my opponent in the initial charge. I'll do my best in every match going forward."

Tochiozan's best finish in the top division is 12-3 at the Summer tourney in 2012, when he lost to Mongolian Kyokutenho in an all-maegashira playoff.

In the day's second makuuchi division bout, Asanoyama (8-2) fell further off the pace after suffering a loss to No. 16 Hokutofuji (7-3). The No. 13 maegashira remains two wins away from tying his previous best record set in his makuuchi debut last September.

Earlier in the day, new ozeki Tochinoshin, who withdrew Saturday due to a right big toe injury, announced he does not anticipate returning to the 15-day meet in Nagoya.

"I want to wrestle but it's impossible in this condition," Tochinoshin said. "In order to compete at the next basho, I have to move a little at a time. I'm even walking without touching my toe to the ground."

The Georgian and his stablemaster Kasugano had indicated a possibility of returning to the tournament if Tochinoshin's condition improved sufficiently. The 30-year-old said he may take part in the next regional tournament "from the middle."

Tochinoshin was seeking a second makuuchi division title and to become the first wrestler since Hakuho in 2006 to win his debut tournament as an ozeki, the sport's second-highest rank.

[jnight]

Day 11-

Sekiwake Mitakeumi earned his 11th straight victory, retaining his two-win lead at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on Wednesday.

Mitakeumi claimed a solid win on Day 11 against No. 4 maegashira Kaisei (7-4), who had won all of their four previous match-ups. The undefeated sekiwake was pushed to his opponent's right on the initial charge but quickly regained the upper hand and forced the Brazilian over the straw.

The 25-year-old Mitakeumi, who regained his former sekiwake status after going 9-6 as a komusubi at May's Summer tourney, is closing in on his first top division title at the 15-day meet at Dolphins Arena.

In the day's final bouts, ozeki Goeido (8-3) earned a winning record after three straight losses, beating No. 5 Daishomaru (3-8), while Takayasu (7-4) was unable to overpower 225-kilogram sekiwake Ichinojo (5-6).

Both Goeido and Takayasu entered the tournament as "kadoban" ozeki, needing eight wins to maintain their rank at the next grand tournament in September. Takayasu faces Mitakeumi on Day 12, and has won nine of their 12 meetings.

Komusubi Tamawashi (6-5) suffered his fifth loss after being pulled down by No. 2 Ikioi (6-5). The pair were forced to fight a rematch after both fell out of the ring at the same time in their first bout.

Shohozan (3-8) got a much-needed win and improved to 7-1 against Chiyonokuni (6-5) when the komusubi got a solid belt grip and threw the No. 2 maegashira to the clay.

But with only four days remaining, Shohozan will likely lose the komusubi rank he regained for the first time since 2014 after going 8-7 at this year's Summer tourney, where he defeated yokozuna Kakuryu for his fifth "kinboshi" prize and earned the Outstanding Performance Award.

Among the rank-and-file maegashira, No. 13s Asanoyama and Tochiozan each secured his ninth win to remain the only wrestlers tied for second place, two wins off the pace.

Asanoyama forced out No. 10 Nishikigi (5-6), and is now one win away from tying his previous best record set in his makuuchi debut last September. Tochiozan, a former sekiwake who has yet to win a top division championship, bested No. 6 Chiyotairyu (7-4).

After two straight losses, fan-favorite Endo (8-3) was able to secure a winning record with a victory over No. 3 Takakeisho (7-4). After being driven to the straw, the No. 6 maegashira side-stepped to avoid a fatal charge from Takakeisho and slapped his opponent down.

No. 9 Yutakayama and No. 16 Hokutofuji also earned winning records.

Prior to the day's bouts, top-ranked maegashira Kotoshogiku withdrew from the tournament after suffering a tendon injury in his left elbow when he was thrown out of the ring by komusubi Tamawashi in their match on Day 10.

The 34-year-old former ozeki was diagnosed with having damaged a tendon attached to his left triceps and will require up to three weeks of rest and treatment.

His withdrawal, the fifth in the top division following all three grand champions and new ozeki Tochinoshin, has ensured Kotoshogiku a losing record for the tournament and a likely demotion to a lower rank.

[jnight]

Day 12-

Sekiwake Mitakeumi suffered his first defeat at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday, losing to ozeki Takayasu.

In the final bout of Day 12, Takayasu went for a shoulder blast from the jump but conceded a belt hold to the tournament leader, who turned the ozeki around and moved him to the edge of the straw. As Mitakeumi attempted a final shove, Takayusu pushed him off balance, with both wrestlers appearing to tumble from the ring simultaneously. After conferring, the officials determined Mitakeumi's foot touched the outside of the ring first.

The victory ensures Takayasu (8-4) will leave Nagoya with a winning record and maintain hid ozeki status at the next tournament. Despite the loss, Mitakeumi (11-1) retains the sole lead at the 15-day tournament as he pursues his first top-level title.

Ozeki Goeido (9-3) remained in the hunt by pushing out No. 6 maegashira Endo (8-4) in the penultimate bout of the day. Endo tried to pull down the onrushing Goeido, but the ozeki kept driving low and hard to bulldoze the maegashira from the ring.

Three rank-and-file grapplers -- Tochiozan, Yutakayama and Asanoyama -- still have a chance to overtake Mitaekumi after also finishing the day with 9-3 records.

No. 13 Tochiozan lost his bout against ninth-ranked Myogiryu (8-4), while fellow No. 9 Yutakayama beat No. 16 Hokutofuji (8-4). No. 13 Asanoyama lost to Brazilian-born No. 4 Kaisei (8-4).

Sekiwake Ichinojo (6-6) kept his hopes of a winning record alive by beating No. 4 Kagayaki with an overarm throw. The maegashira thrusted into Ichinojo at the jump, but the 225-kilogram Mongolian kept his footing, patiently securing a belt hold before twisting Kagayaki to the clay.

Komusubi Tamawashi (7-5) moved within one victory of a winning record after dispatching No. 2 Chiyonokuni (6-6) with an arm throw.

Fellow komusubi Shohozan (3-9), who is set to drop from three "sanyaku" rankings beneath yokozuna, was dropped by No. 3 Abi (3-9).

The nightmare in Nagoya continued for No. 5 Yoshikaze, who remained winless at 0-12 after being pushed out by Chiyomaru (5-7).

[jnight]

Day 13-

Sekiwake Mitakeumi beat Goeido at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on Friday to move within one win of his first top-level title.

Mitakeumi (12-1) holds the sole lead after the 13th day of the 15-day meet at Dolphins Arena, with two wrestlers sitting two wins back. The sekiwake will secure his first makuuchi division championship if he wins Saturday's bout against No. 13 Tochiozan (9-4).

A day after suffering his first defeat of the meet to Takayasu, Mitakeumi avoided consecutive losses to ozeki by pushing out Goeido (9-4) from behind.

In the day's penultimate bout, Takayasu (9-4) beat fan favorite Endo (8-5) to split their 14 career bouts against each other. Takayasu, who made his ozeki debut at this tournament last year, held onto Endo's belt with his right hand and bulldozed the No. 6 maegashira out for a quick victory.

Four wrestlers started the day two wins behind Mitakeumi, but only two -- No. 9 Yutakayama and No. 13 Asanoyama -- managed to improve to 10-3.

Yutakayama had a difficult bout against No. 13 Tochiozan (9-4). He resisted a last-minute slap while shoving out the maegashira, stepping out of the ring a second after his opponent.

Asanoyama was pushed back on the initial charge by No. 9 Myogiryu (8-5), but quickly regained his strength and forced him out of the straw for his 10th win.

Sekiwake Ichinojo (6-7) needs to clinch his final two bouts to secure a winning record after losing to No. 6 Chiyotairyu (8-5). The maegashira shoved the 225-kilogram Mongolian toward the edge of the ring and pushed him out as the sekiwake appeared to give up.

The tournament is being held without the three grand champions and newly promoted ozeki Tochinoshin, all of whom are missing due to injury.

[jnight]

Day 14-

Sekiwake Mitakeumi secured his first top division title after maintaining his two-win lead by beating Tochiozan on Saturday, the penultimate day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.

Mitakeumi, who made his makuuchi division debut in November 2015, claimed his title-winning bout against No. 13 maegashira Tochiozan (9-5), a former sekiwake who had won just one of their previous six career meetings.

As both wrestlers scrambled for a hold, it was Mitakeumi who first got a solid grip on Tochiozan's belt and wasted little time getting under his opponent's left shoulder and forcing him out.

Mitakeumi's undefeated run was broken by ozeki Takayasu on Day 12 of the 15-day meet at Dolphins Arena, which has seen grand champions Hakuho, Kakuryu and Kisenosato, new ozeki Tochinoshin, and former ozeki Kotoshogiku all withdraw due to injuries.

The win marks 22 victories for Mitakeumi during the last two tournaments, making an ozeki promotion a possibility in the near future.

The 25-year-old will become the first Dewanoumi stable wrestler in 38 years to win a makuuchi title. He fights No. 9 Yutakayama on the final day.

In other bouts, Yutakayama (11-3) quickly defeated ozeki Takayasu (9-5), while ozeki Goeido (9-5) succumbed to sekiwake Ichinojo (7-7).

Both komusubi also suffered losses on Day 14 as No. 6 Chiyotairyu (9-5) charged out Tamawashi (8-6) and No. 4 Kagayaki (6-8) beat Shohozan (3-11), who will likely forfeit his rank for September's grand tournament after failing to secure a winning record.

In the first half of bouts, Asanoyama earned an 11th win and his best-ever top division record since his makuuchi debut last September after beating No. 6 Endo (8-6).

The No. 13 maegashira got his right shoulder under his popular opponent during the initial charge and quickly charged out Endo, who has won just one bout in his last six.

Asanoyama, who along with Yutakayama was two wins off the pace going into Saturday's bouts, needed Mitakeumi to lose in order to remain in contention.

Among other lower-ranked wrestlers, No. 5 Yoshikaze finally earned his first win by defeating No. 16 Meisei. The former sekiwake, who had lost 13 straight bouts, depleted his energy powering his opponent to the edge and depositing him over the straw.

[jnight]

Day 15-

A loss on the final day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday could not wipe the smile from the face of newly crowned champion Mitakeumi. The 25-year-old sekiwake, who clinched his first top-level title the previous day, finished with a 13-2 record after losing to No. 9 maegashira Yutakayama (12-3).

In a gripping bout, Mitakeumi nearly drove out Yutakayama before the maegashira fought his way back toward the middle. As the pair jostled for advantage, Mitakeumi attempted a throw at the edge of the ring, but Yutakayama's counter sent both men tumbling over the straw, with the new champion hitting the ground first.

After all three yokozuna and newly promoted ozeki Tochinoshin pulled out of the tournament due to injury, Mitakeumi seized the opportunity to lift his first Emperor's Cup. "It seems like (the tournament) almost flew past, but it also felt like a very long tournament," an elated Mitakeumi said in his champion's interview from the ring at Dolphins Arena. "It's simply awesome. I've never spoken in front of such a big crowd. I probably won't remember what I said here."

"I wanted to end on a good note with a win, but I think I still need to get stronger. I wasn't able to push my opponent out, so I think I'll have to go back and practice". After hearing that local newspapers in his native Nagano Prefecture had printed extra editions to herald his championship, he said, "I hope to do well enough to cause more extras to be printed."

Mitakeumi's efforts at the 15-day tournament were also recognized with a third career Outstanding Performance Prize, as well as his second Technique Prize.

With his final-day victory, Yutakayama took second place outright and finished with his best result in the top division. His performance throughout the tournament also earned him his first Fighting Spirit Prize.

In the tournament's final bout, Goeido (10-5) took just 2 seconds to beat Takayasu (9-6) in a battle of ozeki. As the pair collided at the jump, Goeido turned his opponent around and pushed him out from behind.

Sekiwake Ichinojo (8-7) secured a winning record and held onto his ranking with a quick victory over No. 6 Endo (8-7). Endo drove hard into Ichinojo from the jump but failed to budge the 225-kilogram Mongolian, who flung him backward onto the clay.

No. 3 Takakeisho (10-5) finished a second-consecutive tournament with double digits in wins by beating the other Fighting Spirit Prize-winner, No. 13 Asanoyama (11-4). With an impressive run of performances, 21-year-old former komusubi Takakeisho looks likely to return to the three "sanyaku" rankings below yokozuna at the next grand tournament in September.

Mongolian-born Takanoiwa will make his return to the top flight after finishing as juryo division champion with a 13-2 record. The former makuuchi was injured by Mongolian former yokozuna Harumafuji in an alcohol-fueled attack last November that led to the grand champion being forced to retire from the sport.