Terunofuji and Takakeisho spearhead November tourney
The fourth day of the November tournament of Japan grand sumo tournament took place on Wednesday with 5,000 spectators in attendance at Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo. The tournament is being held without three of the highest ranked sumo, yokozunas Kakuryu and Hakuho and ozeki Asanoyama, whom all passed the tournament due to injury.
Ozekis Takakeisho and Shodai are the highest ranking rikishi in this tourney. Takakeisho Mitsunobu defeated longtime rival Onosho, who is ranked at maegashira No. 2, on the fourth day for an unbeaten 4-0 record, while Shodai Naoya lost to Daieisho.
Komusubi Terunofuji Gan-Erdene, a Mongolian ex-ozeki who climbed back to top division from the second lowest division after severe injury in both knees, is continuing his unbeaten streak. He got his fourth victory by defeating Okinoumi with a display of his raw power. Some experts say that Terunofuji is a strong contender in this tournament and has a good shot at winning, with three of the top dogs out of the game.
Maegashira No. 13 Hoshoryu Byambasuren suffered his first loss of the basho to Chiyotairyu. Meanwhile, Maegashira No. 1 Kiribayama Lkhagvasuren got his first win of the tournament against sekiwake Mitakeumi. His win against a strong wrestler gives his fans a hope that he will regain his rhythm. Tamawashi MunkhOrgil, Chiyoshoma Munkhsaikhan and Ichinojo Ichinnorov all lost on the fourth day. Twenty-seven-year-old Ichinojo Takashi is struggling to perform in this basho with no wins to date. If the Mongolian mountain continues in the current fashion, he might be demoted to the second division.