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Grand Sumo 2025 May Tournament Day15 (Final)

 Hoshoryu Shows Yokozuna Pride, Hands Onosato His Only Loss of the Tournament

Hoshoryu demonstrated the pride and dignity expected of a yokozuna, handing Onosato his only defeat this tournament.  The head-to-head record now stands at five wins for Hoshoryu and two for Onosato (with one of Onosato’s wins being by default), clearly favoring Hoshoryu.
However, the content of their bouts tells a different story.  In nearly every match, it has been Onosato who dictated the pace and gained the upper hand, only to be ultimately brought down by one of Hoshoryu’s well-executed throwing techniques.  This pattern played out once again in today’s bout. Hoshoryu’s uwate-hineri (overarm twist-down) was expertly timed and executed, but it must be said that Onosato’s center of gravity was too high, and his ottsuke (press up on the outside of opponent’s elbow from below, as if twisting and lifting it) from the left lacked its usual sharpness.
Throughout this tournament, Onosato has displayed overwhelming strength and shown he has more than enough potential to succeed at the yokozuna rank.  Yet there remain clear areas for improvement.  But that, in itself, is part of his appeal—the untapped potential, and the prospect of watching him continue to evolve as he overcomes these challenges.  Let’s enjoy the journey of his growth.

Wakatakakage has claimed the Gino-sho (Technique Prize) for the sixth time in his career. 
His tachiai (initial charge) is marked by precise angles and sharp footwork. With his elbows and armpits tucked in, his entries come cleanly from underneath, whether he's pushing or going for an inside grip.
Not only amateur wrestlers but also professional rikishi look to Wakatakakage’s sumo for technical inspiration.
In the past, even with his great technique, he would sometimes be overpowered by physically stronger opponents.  Recently, however, that vulnerability has all but disappeared.
With 12 wins this tournament, he has taken an important first step toward ozeki promotion.

Aonishiki clinched the Kantō-shō (Fighting Spirit Prize) by winning his bout under the condition of “winning today to qualify.” 

Personally, I felt he deserved both the Fighting Spirit and Ginō-shō (Technique Prize) outright, without conditions.  However, perhaps the stipulation was added because he failed to score a win against any sanyaku (komusubi, sekiwake, ozeki) opponents.
One of the secrets behind Aonishiki’s strength is something that may be more apparent to Japanese : he speaks Japanese exceptionally well.  Because of this, he’s able to fully understand advice from his oyakata (stablemaster) and senior wrestlers, and he can communicate without stress or misunderstanding.  This linguistic ability no doubt plays a role in his rapid progress in the ring.


Japanese version of this article here.

https://kimitoshikoyanagi.blogspot.com/2025/05/7_25.html

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