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Grand Sumo 2025 March Tournament Day10 ~ Hoshoryu Withdraws, Takayasu Takes Sole Lead

The biggest shock of this tournament came when newly promoted Yokozuna Hoshoryu announced his withdrawal. During the banzuke announcement press conference, he had declared his intention to compete through the entire tournament, but... Unfortunately, that was not to be.

The pressure will only increase for the next tournament, and we hope Hoshoryu takes the time to prepare thoroughly.

Although the new Yokozuna had to withdraw, the other rikishi continued to deliver intense and exciting matches, ensuring that the atmosphere did not cool down.

The Most Anticipated Bout: Onosato vs. Takayasu

Today’s most highly anticipated match was undoubtedly Onosato versus Takayasu. As expected, the key factor was the sashite (inside position) battle.

Onosato’s tachiai was strong — he won the initial charge and moved forward while attempting to secure a migi-zashi (right inside position). However, Takayasu, despite being under pressure, did not retreat. He remained patient and successfully secured a hidari-zashi (left inside position).

When Onosato failed to achieve a migi-zashi and, in turn, allowed his opponent to establish hidari-zashi , he freaks out., preventing him from patiently holding his ground, gradually regaining his position, or launching a counterattack ～ I have seen this pattern many times. And I've pointed it out ～ Since Onosato is seen as a future Yokozuna candidate, it is essential that he overcomes this weakness.

The Hottest Bout of the Day: Daieisho vs. Oho

Today’s most thrilling match was undoubtedly Daieisho versus Oho! This was a clash of pure determination and fighting spirit.

It was the kind of bout where either rikishi could have won, but in the end, Daieisho’s experience in these kinds of high-stakes battles made the difference. He has been through this type of intense match many times before, and that experience gave him the edge.

Wakatakakage Also Showed Impressive Sumo

Just look at his positioning at the tachiai! He bent his knees and lowered his center of gravity, keeping an incredibly low stance. His left uwate grip was in an excellent position, and by keeping his elbow tucked in, he neutralized his opponent’s right shitate. Then, with a perfectly timed Uwatedashinage (pulling over armthrow), he disrupted his opponent’s balance and secured a yorikiri victory. It was truly a work of art.

Churanoumi and Takerufuji also showed strong sumo while protecting their Two-loss records.

In the Juryo division, Kusano extended his winning streak to 10, setting a new record for consecutive wins by a newly promoted Juryo rikishi. He’s strong! As a former collegiate yokozuna, he has a physique comparable to that of a makuuchi rikishi. With his size and skill, Kusano has the potential to create a sensation, much like Onosato.


Written by 小柳公寿

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