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Grand Sumo 2025 January Tournament Day12

 Shishi Wins Clash of One-Loss Rikishi in Historic Match

In the Juryo division, the bout between Aonishiki and Shishi drew significant attention as a showdown between two frontrunners in the yusho (championship) race. This was also the first-ever matchup in professional sumo history between two wrestlers from Ukraine.

Aonishiki maintained a strong forward-leaning posture, using harite (slaps) while driving Shishi upward from underneath and pressing forward. Although Shishi was pushed back all the way to the tawara (edge of the ring), he kept his composure and watched his opponent carefully.

The decisive moment came when Aonishiki charged headfirst, and Shishi capitalized with a tsuki-otoshi (thrust-down). At that critical moment, Aonishiki’s face was pointed downward, and he wasn’t watching his opponent, which led to his defeat.


In the Juryo division, Wakaikari, who lost to Shishi yesterday, has withdrawn from the tournament due to a left arm injury. It’s unfortunate.


Kirishima Dominates with Nine Straight Wins

Kirishima gave no openings to the in-form Oho in their match today. Using precise ategai (blocking technique) to neutralize Oho’s thrusting arms from below, Kirishima pressed forward, applying relentless pressure. He then executed a swift inashi (sidestep maneuver) to move behind Oho and secure the victory.

This was not a defensive bout focused on evading the opponent’s attacks but a commanding performance of aggressive sumo, showcasing Kirishima’s excellent form. With this momentum, his chances of claiming the yusho (championship) are now within sight.



Takerufuji Stays in the Yusho Race with a Stunning Comeback Victory

Takerufuji pulled a left uwate (overhand grip) and began driving forward, but Kotozakura countered with a powerful right shitate-nage (underarm throw), seemingly reversing the position and securing the win.

However, just as Takerufuji was pushed to the edge of the dohyo (ring), he pressed up on Kotozakura’s elbow, sending Kotozakura flying out. Whether it was Takerufuji’s incredible power or simply impeccable timing on the tsuki-otoshi (thrust-down), the way Kotozakura lost—and the way he fell—was anything but ordinary.

This unusual loss raises questions about whether Kotozakura might be dealing with some physical issues. 



Hoshoryu Displays Ozeki Pride
Yesterday, Kinbozan decisively defeated Onosato and gained momentum in his bid for the championship. This tournament, Kinbozan has truly taken the spotlight, creating a whirlwind of excitement with his impressive performances. While Kinbozan sticks to his usual style of sumo, Hoshoryu needed to adjust his strategy at the tachi-ai (initial charge) to avoid ending up like Onosato did yesterday.
Hoshoryu chose to taguri (pull in) Kinbozan’s thrusting arms at the tachi-ai, a decision that proved correct. He likely intended to secure a right-hand grip on the mawashi (belt) after pulling, but the match was decided before he had the chance. Much like  Kinbozan’s loss to Abi (Day10), his feet failed to move forward, and he fell flat on the dohyo.
Over the past year, there have been tournaments where wrestlers like Onosato and Takerufuji stirred up excitement as lower-ranked rikishi. However, in those tournaments, Hoshoryu stood firm, defeating both and serving as the wall that halted their momentum.
Hoshoryu thrives in matches against in-form opponents, not by succumbing to pressure, but by igniting his fighting spirit.



Written by 小柳公寿

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