Grand Sumo 2025 May Tournament Day3 ～ Oho Gains Confidence with a Kinboshi Victory!

Today, there’s really only one match worth focusing on: the bout between Hoshoryu and Oho.

My pre-bout expectation was that Oho would try to replicate the style he used yesterday against Kirishima, while Hoshoryu might opt for the same hari-zashi (slapping and going for an inside grip) that earned him victory in January’s championship playoff.

Oho’s tachi-ai unfolded much as anticipated, but Hoshoryu chose a different approach—leading with his head and going for a thrusting attack instead.

Both rikishi had strong initial charges. Oho hit at a good angle, and his tsuki-te (thrusting hands) extended with force and precision. Hoshoryu, on the other hand, couldn’t move his feet forward under the pressure of Oho’s thrusts—his stance became square, and that’s when Oho capitalized with a hatakikomi (slap down).

In the post-match interview, Oho was asked about his 6–9 losing record last tournament, which caused his demotion from the sanyaku ranks to maegashira. He was questioned, “Did it feel like you hit a wall last tournament?”

He responded firmly: “I don’t think I hit a wall at all.”

Hoshoryu, for his part, remained silent after the bout.

Oho will face Onosato tomorrow. In their previous encounter last tournament, Oho dominated.

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Hooked on Sumo: Insights & Analysis 　(by 小柳公寿)

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