FUKUOKA – Ukrainian prodigy Aonishiki maintained his bid for a first championship by continuing his domination against yokozuna Hoshoryu at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday.
The 21-year-old sekiwake regained a share of the lead at 11-3 by crushing the Mongolian-born star once again after fellow yokozuna and overnight leader Onosato was beaten by ozeki Kotozakura on the penultimate day of the 15-day competition.
Aonishiki, who had fallen from the top rung of the rankings following his loss to Onosato on Friday, now heads into a dramatic final day at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center in a three-way tie with both yokozuna.
Looking to avoid a defeat that would have eliminated him from title contention, Aonishiki exploded and kicked out Hoshoryu before he had a chance to counter.
“I wanted to make my sumo mark by staying low and coming in, and I was able to do that,” said Aonishiki, who now has three wins from three against Hoshoryu.
“I don’t really think about that aspect. I only have one day left and I want to make sure I do my best.”
September champion Onosato found himself in a tough position against Kotozakura (8-6) after the two went chest-to-chest during the opening charge.
The ozeki, who needed the victory to secure a winning record for the tournament, gained the upper hand with a strong belt which he used to force the five-time Emperor’s Cup winner past the straw bales.
In other Day 14 action, komusubi Takayasu (7-7) avoided a critical eighth defeat and avoided demotion by eliminating No. 6 maegashira Atamifuji (7-7).
Former sekiwake and current maegashira No. 2 Wakamotoharu (8-6) placed himself within the framework of a promotion to the three “sanyaku” ranks below yokozuna with his eighth, very important victory, at the expense of maegashira No. 9 Midorifuji (6-8).
There will, however, be no imminent return to sanyaku for Wakamotoharu’s younger brother, No. 1 maegashira Wakatakakage, who dropped to 6-8 after being sent off by No. 7 maegashira Churanoumi (7-7).
