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Grand Sumo 2025 January Tournament Day2

Abi dominated Kotozakura, handing the Ozeki his first loss as he aims for Yokozuna promotion.

KOTOZAKURA - ABI


Yesterday, I wrote about Kotozakura’s performance using terms like "stiff movements," "nervousness," "a mindset of not wanting to lose," and "caution." While it’s possible that Kotozakura wasn’t able to demonstrate 100% of his abilities, the result should be attributed more to Abi’s outstanding performance.

Abi’s initial charge and forward momentum were reminiscent of his form during his championship-winning tournament.


OHO -WAKATAKAKAGE
 

Ōhō dominated Wakatakakage, who had defeated Terunofuji just yesterday.

In the past, Ōhō was often criticized for being slow to attack, hesitating even when in an advantageous position, and sometimes giving up too easily when under pressure, resulting in disappointing losses. However, in recent tournaments, he has shown a significant transformation. He now initiates swift and aggressive attacks and counters effectively even when on the defensive.

Most importantly, there’s a noticeable sense of grit and determination in his sumo now.


KIRISHIMA - ONOSATO


When Onosato gets Migi-zashi (inserts the right arm inside), his opponent responded by taking a left uwate (overhand grip), pivoting, and attempting an uwatenage (overarm throw). This sequence is one of the patterns that often leads to an Onosato loss.

Today, it seemed like this pattern was unfolding, putting Onosato in a dangerous situation. However, Kirishima ended up digging his own grave by making unnecessary moves, such as attempting a leg trip and releasing his uwate grip.

It might have been more effective for Kirishima to continuously use throws to break Onosato’s balance or to stay latched onto him from the side instead of trying extraneous tactics.


TOBIZARU - HOSHORYU


Based on their past matchups, it seems that Tobizaru is not an easy opponent for Hoshoryu. However, today’s performance demonstrated both speed and power.

The sequence of moves—pulling his opponent in, securing a right uwate (overhand grip), drawing Tobizaru closer, and advancing forward—was seamless and fluid. Moreover, Hoshoryu’s powerful pulling motion caused Tobizaru to become almost weightless, lifting him off his feet.


TERUNOFUJI - TAKANOSHO


Based on their past matchups, Takanosho is not an easy opponent for Terunofuji, particularly because Terunofuji has struggled against Takanosho’s powerful right-handed nodowa (thrust to the throat). As a bout following a loss, facing Takanosho would have been a pressure-filled challenge.

At the tachi-ai (initial charge), Takanosho went for a tsuki-oshi (thrusting attack), seemingly aiming to utilize his right nodowa. However, Terunofuji executed a strong tachi-ai, denying Takanosho the chance to mount his preferred offense.

Terunofuji controlled the bout from start to finish, but the uwatenage (overarm throw)  felt unnecessary.



　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Written by 小柳公寿

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