SUMO-

Grand Sumo Summer Session (May 11 to 25)
Ozeki Koto-Oshu Captured First Session Title over Yokozuna Asashoryu and Hakuho

Tokyo- Koto-Oshu (25yrs), the 6’7” Bulgarian Ozeki, won the first session title with a record of 14-1. He is the 7th non-Japanese sumo wrestler to win a session title and the first one from Europe. Ozeki Koto-Oshu’s winning streak led to defeating two Yokozuna in a row. He defeated Asashoryu on the 11th day, followed by Yokozuna Hakuho on the 12th day. On the 13th day, dark horse Aminishiki broke Koto-Oshu’s undefeated record with a push out of the ring technique. Hakuho couldn’t take advantage of Koto-Oshu’s loss and also lost on the 13th day, so the top two fighters were still two points part.

On the 14th day, Koto-Oshu defeated Ama with a push down throw to capture the session title (13-1) without needing to battle it out on the last day for the title (Senshuraku). Koto-Oshu defeated Ozeki Chiyotaikai on the last day for a 14-1 record and the session crown. If Koto-Oshu continues fighting at this level and he wins next summer’s Nagoya session a Yokozuna promotion is a possibility, but until this session, his record was not as impressive so his promotion is still uncertain.     

Grand Sumo Spring Session (March 9 to 23)
Yokozuna Asashoryu Back This Session “Victory”

The Grand Pro-sumo spring session opened on March 9th for 15 days of battle. Last session’s champion Yokozuna Hakuho attempted to win his 4th consecutive title, but his first loss came on the 4th day to lower ranked Aminishiki’s push down throw. Meanwhile, rival Yokozuna Asashoryu was undefeated until day 12. Sekiwake (3rd highest rank) Kotoshogiku upset Asashoryu with a push out throw to tie with Hakuho.
Hakuho failed to hold onto his 11-1 record and lost on day 12 to Ozeki Chiyotaikai. Asashoryu also lost a second match on day 13, so the two were once again tied.

On the final day, Yokozuna Hakuho faced rival Asashoryu in the last match of the day with both tied at 12-2. If Hakuho won, this would be his 4th straight session title. If Asashoryu won, this would be his first victory since he returned from his suspension. As the gyouji (Referee) signaled to start, Hakuho griped left, in perfect position to attack, but Hakuho was surprised by Asashoryu’s kotenage (elbow lock throw). Asashoryu captured the session title to the crowd cheering his victory.

News Flash!
Grand Pro-Sumo Summer Session May 11th – 25th. (Kokugikan, Tokyo)
*Ozeki Koto-oshu won his first session title with a 14-1 record.
*Yokozuna Asashoryu and Yokozuna Hakuho both finish 11-4.