Gonoyama caused the most significant upset at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament when he defeated ozeki Hoshoryu. It was also the latter’s first loss. No. 7 maegashira Asanoyama and promotion-chasing sekiwake Kotonowaka remained the two unbeaten wrestlers in the 15-day tournament.
Terunofuji, the only yokozuna in the sport, and ozeki Kirishima, who is vying to become the next yokozuna, both won matches to move up to 4-1, just behind Hoshoryu in the standings.
According to bookie pay per head sources, Gonoyama debuted in the top division in July. He landed a perfect opening charge that caught Hoshoryu off guard and sent him tumbling. Gonoyama is 0-3.
New Year Grand Sumo Tournament Results
By defeating Komusubi Ura, Kotonowaka got one victory closer to the thirteen needed to advance to the ozeki division (1-4). After avoiding a throw from his smaller opponent, the 26-year-old sekiwake spun him around and pushed him out from behind.
According to software sportsbook reports, injured yokozuna Terunofuji won again. Thus, the victory against No. 3 Hokutofuji silenced rumors of his retirement. However, he still does not look like his dominant self (3-2).
With a decisive victory over No. 2 maegashira Abi, Kirishima recovered from his first loss the day before (0-5). But the ozeki rode his luck, remaining within the straw until the ex-sekiwake stepped out.
According to sports betting forum users, the former ozeki Asanoyama had the upper hand right from the start. Thus, he eliminated Hiradoumi, ranked eighth (3-2). By defeating No. 4 Tobizaru, the rapidly improving No. 1 Atamifuji (1-4) finally won his maiden match (3-2). After making championship runs in his past two tournaments, the 21-year-old shot up the rankings. However, he has had little luck against the top half of the draw in Tokyo thus far.
