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Grand Sumo 2025 May Tournament Day2 ～ Hoshoryu Wins Again with Commanding Sumo

 After defeating the formidable Wakatakakage on Day 1, Hoshoryu faced Wakamotoharu today.  While their pre-basho keiko (practice bouts) reportedly ended with a close 3-2 edge for Hoshoryu. 

Today, Hoshoryu was dominant from start to finish—slapping with his left at the tachi-ai to break his opponent’s rhythm, immediately securing a morozashi (double inside grip), and wasting no time to drive forward for a textbook yorikiri (frontal force-out). It was the kind of sharp, decisive sumo reminiscent of his championship-winning performance in the January Tournament.  Just like yesterday, it seems clear that Hoshoryu had studied his opponent thoroughly during practice and came in with a clear game plan.
In his post-match interview, Hoshoryu commented,
“I was able to stay focused and execute exactly as I had planned,” and
“I’ve been training properly—doing what I need to do, and that’s why I was able to win.”


Today, Onosato faced Takayasu, who was in contention for the championship last tournament. 
Onosato secured the win with a hatakikomi (slap down).  He started strong at the tachi-ai, driving Takayasu back and applying solid forward pressure. Importantly, his pull-down was not the result of being overwhelmed or losing the sashite battle. Rather than retreating straight back and drawing his opponent in, Onosato pivoted and opened his body to the side to execute a clean and controlled slap down.  So, not bad.


After yesterday’s thrilling victory over ozeki Kotozakura, Oho faced former ozeki Kirishima today. 
He maintained a deep forward-leaning posture with well-bent knees, moving both his hands and feet effectively throughout the bout.  Tomorrow, he faces yokozuna Hoshoryu—a highly anticipated matchup.


After dropping his opening-day bout, Kotozakura faced Abi today. 
Abi’s tsuppari (thrusting attacks)—especially his right-handed nodowa (throat thrust)—were particularly forceful throughout the bout.
In the final moment, however, it was clear that Abi’s right foot slipped on the shikiri-sen (white starting line), which may have cost him the match.


Takerufuji delivered an outstanding performance today against Ura. 
At the tachi-ai, Ura immediately went for a leg pick, but Takerufuji reacted swiftly—pulling his leg back to evade the attempt, then driving Ura’s upper body upright with strong thrusts, finishing with a commanding oshi-dashi (frontal push-out).
His reflexes in avoiding the ashi-tori (leg grab) were impressive, and the final sequence—pushing against Ura’s abdomen rather than the chest—showed sharp finishing instincts. (Constantly thrusting at the same spot—especially the chest—can allow the opponent to grab and pull the attacking arm and disrupt one’s balance.)
Most importantly, Takerufuji showed no hesitation or fear toward Ura’s trademark trickery.  There was simply no weakness in his sumo today.

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