Sumo: Onosato grabs share of lead after Mitakeumi takes 1st loss
Onosato, the only competing grand champion following Hoshoryu's injury withdrawal, advanced to 6-1 after exploding out of the blocks and pushing No. 3 maegashira Kinbozan (1-6) straight off the dohyo in the final bout of Day 7 at IG Arena.
The 25-year-old yokozuna shares the top of the leaderboard with former ozeki Mitakeumi, sekiwake Kirishima, plus rank-and-file wrestlers Tamawashi, Ichiyamamoto and top-division debutant Kusano, competing as a No. 14 maegashira.
Three-time Emperor's Cup winner Mitakeumi, fighting near the bottom of the rankings as a No. 16 maegashira, saw his bid for a perfect opening week thwarted by another newcomer to the elite makuuchi division, No. 14 maegashira Fujinokawa (5-2).
Kirishima made quick work of Takayasu (5-2) in a battle of former ozeki, slapping the 35-year-old komusubi to the clay.
Ozeki Kotozakura finished the first week of the 15-day tournament one win off the pace at 5-2 after forcing out up-and-coming No. 4 maegashira Hakuoho (3-4).
Exciting young Ukrainian No. 1 maegashira Aonishiki (5-2) also moved to the second rung by pushing out new komusubi Oshoma (1-6) and adding another name to his growing list of higher-ranking victims.
Veteran No. 4 maegashira Tamawashi sprang an upset by thrusting out sekiwake Wakatakakage (3-4), while No. 8 maegashira Ichiyamamoto continued his bid for a maiden Emperor's Cup by slapping down No. 6 maegashira Takerufuji (4-3).
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