Sole leader Ichinojo overwhelmed demotion-threatened ozeki Mitakeumi on Friday as the giant No. 2 maegashira improved to 6-0 at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.
A day after overpowering yokozuna Terunofuji, Ichinojo delivered another commanding performance. He immediately grabbed an overarm belt hold with his left hand, swung Mitakeumi (2-4) to the side with an armlock throw before grappling the ozeki out.
"I'm happy. I was quick to the belt and I think it was good sumo," said Ichinojo, a former sekiwake who missed the entire Summer meet in May after contracting the coronavirus. "I knew I had to charge forward (today), so I kept that in mind during the bout."
Mitakeumi needs eight wins or more to remain at the sport's second-highest rank after failing to win eight in May.
No. 6 maegashira Tobizaru triumphed in style to stay one win back, while Terunofuji and ozeki Takakeisho both improved to 4-2 along with eight other wrestlers at Dolphins Arena.
Of the four wrestlers starting the day with 4-1 records, only Tobizaru earned his fifth win. He floored No. 8 Nishikigi (4-2) with an emphatic underarm throw. Nishikigi charged forward but was unable to finish off his opponent before Tobizaru turned the tables on him.
Terunofuji (4-2) got off to a shaky start against No. 3 Tamawashi (3-3), who had won their last three bouts and forced the seven-time champion to retreat following a strong push to the throat.
The yokozuna, however, forced his way back to the middle, where Tamawashi stumbled, allowing Terunofuji to slap him down with ease.
Ozeki Takakeisho (4-2) parried No. 3 Ura (3-3) to the left before shoving the trickster out from the back, earning wins on consecutive days for the first time at the meet.
The other "kadoban" ozeki, Shodai (2-4), showed some real grit in a credible win over Daieisho (3-3). The ozeki stood his ground against the sekiwake's fierce thrusts before pushing him off the raised ring.
Hoshoryu (2-4) weathered a barrage from fellow komusubi Abi (3-3) before going on the offensive and securing a push-out win.
Sekiwake Wakatakakage (3-3) won an exciting battle with No. 1 Kiribayama (3-3). The Spring meet champion recovered from a difficult start to grab a right underarm belt hold and crush his tricky opponent out.
Midorifuji (4-2) was beaten by fellow No. 11 Kotoshoho (3-3), while No. 13 Ichiyamamoto (4-2) had a day to forget as No. 15 Onosho (3-3), a former komusubi, pushed him out in an instant.
Related coverage:
Sumo: Ichinojo overpowers Terunofuji to take sole lead at Nagoya
Sumo: Terunofuji back on track with 3rd straight win in Nagoya
Sumo: Terunofuji edges Takanosho for 2nd win as Shodai, Mitakeumi lose
