Sumo: Onosato on verge of title, promotion, with 3-bout lead
The 24-year-old ozeki improved to a perfect 12-0 with a decisive victory against up-and-coming No. 7 maegashira Hakuoho before his nearest rival for the championship, lone yokozuna Hoshoryu, dropped to 9-3 with a loss to sekiwake Kirishima on Day 12.
If he defeats fellow ozeki Kotozakura on Friday, Onosato will clinch his fourth Emperor's Cup, along with promotion to sumo's highest rank, with two days remaining at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan arena.
The powerfully built Onosato demonstrated his agility as he shifted sideways and slapped down the charging Hakuoho (8-4), marking his best start to a 15-day competition since debuting in the elite makuuchi division in January last year.
Fighting in the day's final bout, Hoshoryu went chest to chest with fellow Mongolian-born grappler Kirishima but gave up a belt hold that the former ozeki used to position himself for victory by overarm throw.
The yokozuna finished the day tied for second with Kirishima, sekiwake Daieisho, komusubi Wakatakakage and No. 17 maegashira Asakoryu.
It was reported earlier in the day that Hoshoryu is preparing to apply for Japanese citizenship, a prerequisite to becoming a sumo elder following retirement from competition.
Kotozakura secured a winning record at 8-4 by forcing out No. 4 maegashira Ichiyamamoto (4-8).
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