Tokyo, Japan -Ozeki Harumafuji started the Nagoya Grand Sumo session with hopes of a second session title, which would give him the chance to reach the rank of Yokozuna. Harumafuji suffered his first loss on the 3rd day to Komusubi Kotoshogiku's push-out, and by day 11 was far behind the leaders with a 8-3 record. Yokozuna Asashoryu faced upcoming player Kisenosato on day 8, and lost his momentum by losing two days in a row. By day 11, Asashoryu also had a 8-3 record, trailing rivals Yokozuna Hakuho and Ozeki Kotooshu. Hakuho and Kotooshu both lost on day 11, but were still tied to lead with 10-1 records. Hakuho fell to Kotomitsuki's push-out, and Kotooshu lost to Chiyotaikai's slap down. On day 13, Hakuho faced Kotooshu in a crucial fight where Hakuho's powerful uwate-nage (upper swing throw) caught Kotoshu off guard. On the final 15th day, Kotooshu defeated Harumafuji and ended with a 13-2 record. Kotooshu carefully watched Hakuho's final fight with Asashoryu, since if Hakuho lost, they would fight in a face-off match as they would both have 13-2 records. Hakuho waited for the right moment, changing his grip and looking for an opening. Asashoryu struggled to get his grip, and when he bet everything on his attack, Hakuho pounced with a shitate-nage (lower swing throw) to knock Asashoryu down. Kotooshu left his seat in disappointment. The best technique award went to Aminishiki (11-4) and most inspiration award to Shoutenro (11-4). The fall session will run September 13-29 at Tokyo's Kokugikan Hall.

Ozeki Harumafuji Upsets Yokozuna Hakuho

Harumafuji Ozeki Harumafuji Upsets Yokozuna Hakuho

Kokugikan Hall, Tokyo, Japan -Yokozuna Hakuho, winner of the last session, and Ozeki Harumafuji both reached to face each other on the 12th day with 12 wins each. Hakuho's unexpected "susoharai throw" (foot sweep) caught Harumafuji off guard for his first loss which tied him with Yokozuna Asashoryu (both 12-1). On the 14th day, Hakuho's dreams for an undefeated streak came to an end when he faced with Ozeki Kotooshu's "uwatenage" (upper swing throw). Meanwhile, Ozeki Harumafuji upset Yokozuna Asashoryu with a dynamic "sotogake" (out side foot clip throw) that tied him with Hakuho at 13-1. On the final day, Hakuho pushed rival Asashoryu (12-3) out of the ring and Harumafuji defeated Ozeki Kotooshu. The two fighters tied with 14-1 records would face each other a second time in a tie breaker for the session title. After the ceremonial warmup, Harumafuji dashed out to grab Hakuho's left belt, and went for two quick "shitatenage" (lower swing throw). Hakuho could not keep his balance. By touching the ground Hakuho lost the match and the session title. Komusubi rank Tsururyu 9-6 won the award for best technique and the most inspirational award went to Maegashira rank Kisenosato 13-2. (5/24/09, Kokugikan Hall Summer Session)

Yokozuna Hakuho Undefeated with 15 Wins

Furitsu Gym, Osaka, Japan - Grand Sumo's spring session began March 15 with the renewed public interest in sumo after Yokozuna Asashoryu's surprising comback victory during the New Year session. During the spring session, Asashoryu and his rival, Hakuho, both started off the session tied 9-0. First, Asashoryu was defeated on day 10 by fellow Mongolia Harumafuji's swing pushout throw. Then, Asashoryu lost on day 12 to Ozeki Kotomitsuki, followed by a third loss on day 14 to Ozeki Kotooshu. Meanwhile, Yokozuna Hakuho defeated Kaio on day 14. No other fighter was undefeated, so Hakuho knew he won the session title before the last day. On day 15, Hakuho fiinished by defeating Asashoryu with a powerful technique that pushed Asashoryu out of the ring. Hakuho finished with a perfect 15-0 record. The best technique award went to Komusubi rank Tsururyu (10-5) and the most inspirational award was given to Houmasho (11-4). (3/29/09, Osaka)

Yokozuna Asashoryu Comeback Victory

Tokyo, JPN - The Grand Sumo New Year session opened at the Kokugikan Hall in Tokyo on Jan 11th for 15 days. Yokozuna Asashoryu captured his 23rd victory after coming back from a three basho (Sessions) absence. Asashoryu had a perfect session record of 14-0 until lthe ast day when he faced rival Yokozuna Hakuho (13-1) from Mongolia. Hakuho defeated Asashoryu with a Yoritaoshi (push down) to even the record on the last day. In the play off match, an adrenalin-filled Asashoryu hit hard and a got good grip to push rival Hakuho out of the ring for his 23rd victory. Asashoryu said, "I am so happy! My elbow injury bothered me but after 5th day of winning I felt I could do it.(1/25)"

Sekiwake Ama wins All Japan Sumo Tournament

Tokyo: The 67th All Japan Grand Sumo tournament was held at Tokyo's Kokugikan Hall on Oct. 6th. Sekiwake Ama beat Komusubi Hiruto in the semi-finals, and then defeated the winner of last fall's session, Yokozuna Hakuhou, with a push-out victory to capture the $25,000 prize. Ama will seek promotion to Ozeki rank in the winter session in Kyushu start on November. (10/06)

Asashoryu 4-5 loss - Retirement Eminent?

Tokyo: Yokozuna Asashoryu continues a disastrous string of defeats with his 4th loss on Day 9 of this session. Team-mate and fellow Mongolian Sekiwake Ama pushed Asashoryu out of the ring (okuridashi) with a tricky move. With a record of 5 wins and 4 losses, Asashoryu has no hope of reaching the winner's circle. Asashoryu claimed that pain in the left elbow which was the reason he withdrew from competition last session is still bothering him. According to a close friend, Asashoryu is considering retiring from competition soon. We will have to wait to see what announcements he will make regarding his future. (9/21)

Two More Russian Pro-Sumo Wrestlers Fired

Tokyo: Two more foreign pro-sumo wrestlers, both from Russia, were expelled after drug testing carried out by the Japan Sumo Association. Rohou (28yrs) and Hakurozan (26yrs) tested positive for marijuana. Although the two wrestlers denied the allegations, their statements were rejected by the sumo organization. Kitanoumi, mentor to Hakurozan and the chairman of the board of directors, resigned to take responsibility before the meeting. Former Yokozuna Mienoumi (Musashigawa) was appointed as chairman. Hakurozan belonged to Kitanoumi-beya (stable). 9/7

Wakano-hou Purchased Marijuana at Night Club

Tokyo: Wakano-hou, the 20 year old Russian pro-sumo player, was arrested for marijuana possession on August 18th. Wakano-hou has since said he purchased the marijuana and a pipe from a black person at a Roppongi night club for $200. The Japanese sumo organization has since expelled him from their ranks.(8/26)

Russian Pro-Sumo Wrestler Wakano-ho Arrested ***

Tokyo, Japan - Pro-sumo player Wakano-ho was arrested for possession of marijuana on August 18th. The 20 year old whose actual name is Soslan Aleksandrovich Gagloev is a maegashira (lower rank) of sumo wrestler from northern Russia. Wakano-ho dropped his wallet near the JR Kinshicho train station in Tokyo on June 24th. The wallet was found to contain a marijuana cigarette, and was traced to Wakano-ho. Police also found a marijuana pipe at his residence. Wakano-ho says he obtained the marijuana from a foreigner at a Roppongi night club in Tokyo. The Japan Sumo Association decided to expel him at a special meetin on 8/21, and Wakano-ho's future is uncertain as he faces his indictment.(8/21)

 

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