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Grand Sumo 2025 May Tournament Day10

 Today’s Featured Bout: Aonishiki vs. Wakatakakage

The most anticipated bout of the day was Aonishiki vs. Wakatakakage—two rikishi known for their aggressive attacks from a low, forward-leaning stance.   When wrestlers with similar styles face off, the outcome often aligns with their rank, and that was the case today.
Wakatakakage didn’t simply reach for a right-hand inside  (migi-zashi); instead, he used a clever technique—lifting Aonishiki’s left elbow from below to open up the armpit and secure migi-zashi.   Without missing a beat, he followed up with a beautifully timed kata-sukashi (shoulder swing down).
When the bout reached a brief stalemate during the initial pushing battle, it was Wakatakakage’s ability to transition and adapt that made the difference.


Onosato Extends Winning Streak to 10 with Commanding Performance

Despite his rock-solid sumo and current nine-bout winning streak, Onosato was once briefly driven back to the edge of the ring by Abi’s powerful right nodowa (throat thrust). Today’s opponent, Ichiyamamoto, is a wrestler of very similar style to Abi. 

 It’s likely that Ichiyamamoto modeled his strategy on Abi’s match, where he managed to push Onosato to the brink. 　However, Onosato appeared fully prepared for such a scenario.   As if anticipating Ichiyamamoto’s signature right-hand thrust, Onosato lifted it up with his left hand. That single move was enough to turn Ichiyamamoto sideways—and at that moment, the bout was effectively over.


Hakuoho’s Forward-Driving Sumo Put to the Test

Hakuoho used to find himself stalled in a static hidari-yotsu (left-hand inside grip) position, but this tournament, he’s been clearly focusing on moving forward with intent. As a result, he  stood at 8 wins and 1 loss, right in the thick of the yūshō (championship) race.

That said, while I could sense his determination to move forward, I remained skeptical about just how much actual forward-driving power he possessed. That’s why I hadn’t written about him even though he was in the title hunt.

Daieisho, with his powerful tsuki-oshi (thrusting and pushing style), was the perfect opponent to gauge Hakuoho’s offensive force. The result, as you’ve seen, speaks for itself.

That being said, Hakuoho is no ordinary rikishi—he was dubbed a “monster” after skyrocketing to the jūryō division in just one tournament and contending for the yūshō in his makuuchi debut.

Personally, I see tremendous natural talent in him, and I’m very much looking forward to watching his continued growth.



Japanese version of this article here.

https://kimitoshikoyanagi.blogspot.com/2025/05/710.html

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