Sumo: Onosato survives against Ichiyamamoto, stays 1 win off pace
The 25-year-old grand champion won a rematch with the No. 8 maegashira after the ringside officials could not determine a clear winner in the day's final scheduled bout, which was initially awarded to Ichiyamamoto.
The result saw Onosato (9-3) finish Day 12 at IG Arena alongside Ichiyamamoto and two other wrestlers on the second rung of the leaderboard, as the four-man leading pack was whittled down to young Ukrainian sensation Aonishiki and No. 15 maegashira Kotoshoho at 10-2.
Having failed to beat Onosato in two previous attempts, Ichiyamamoto appeared to find success with a push out after the yokozuna opted for a badly judged pull. But replays showed the maegashira's leg hitting the clay as his top-ranked opponent flew off the dohyo, prompting the judges to convene in the middle.
After a long deliberation, the officials ordered a rematch, with Onosato once again ceding ground with a pull but ultimately winning by push out.
No. 1 maegashira Aonishiki continued his stunning run at the 15-day tournament with victory over two-time Emperor's Cup winner Tamawashi (8-4). The 21-year-old European absorbed Tamawashi's initial thrusts before securing a belt grip and executing an underarm throw.
The 25-year-old Kotoshoho, whose career-high ranking is No. 3 maegashira, kept his share of the lead by slapping down title-contending komusubi Takayasu (8-4), the winner of six of their eight past meetings.
Top-division rookie Kusano (9-3) relinquished his share of the lead in a loss to sekiwake Wakatakakage (8-4). The former college star, fighting as a No. 14 maegashira, succumbed to a frontal crush out after a vigorous battle between the two athletic combatants.
No. 10 maegashira Atamifuji (9-3) stayed one win back from the lead by thrusting out No. 16 maegashira Mitakeumi (8-4).
Ozeki Kotozakura (7-5) closed to within one win of the eight needed to avoid demotion-threatened "kadoban" status in September with a force-out victory over sekiwake Kirishima (8-4) that dented the Mongolian-born grappler's title hopes.
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