It had to happen sometime, and Tuesday was just not defending champion Asashoryu’s day. Pulling off a huge upset, fellow Mongolian Harumafuji pushed him out of the ring and the lead at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, of which yokozuna Hakuho now claims sole possession.
In a predictable outcome, the 10-0 Hakuho pushed out Chiyotaikai, who is injured and has only won two bouts.
But in a match that sent the seat cushions flying, Asashoryu was completely outfoxed by compatriot Harumafuji. The ozeki moved to the left at the start and drove Asashoryu all the way back. The yokozuna, who has won 23 titles, fought his way out of that hole, but was then just pushed back to the other side and thrust out.
It was a giant upset for Harumafuji, who is still trying to prove himself as an ozeki. He has been coming out too low, but was just right on Tuesday. He now has six wins.
Appearing to lose his footing at the face-off, ozeki Kotomitsuki was chased around the ring by Goeido, and the 5-5 komusubi sent him tumbling as soon as he got in a good thrust. The loss was a big one for the ozeki, who is facing demotion and needs two more wins just to keep his rank.
Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu, taking his seventh win, was an overwhelming force against No. 4 maegashira Takekaze, who crumpled early and was shoved onto his back and sent into an embarrassing slide off the raised ring.
Fighting with both legs heavily wrapped, ozeki Kaio simply didn’t have the strength to ward off sekiwake Kisenosato, who blasted him with thrusts and then went in for a grappling hold as he drove firmly ahead. Kaio will have to wait at least another day to assure himself of a winning record. Kisenosato rises to 5-5.
Sekiwake Baruto pulled down top maegashira Hokutoriki. The win was the big Estonian’s fourth, and snapped a three-day losing streak.(IHT/Asahi: March 25,2009)