On day six of the March 2022 basho, Yokozuna Terunofuji dropped out of the tournament due to an injury suffered on day five. With the absence of the Yokozuna, rikishi Kotonowaka, Mitakeumi, Wakatakakage, and Takayasu lead the race towards the Emperor’s Cup.
Terunofuji Out with Injury, Race towards the Title
With great details yet to be confirmed, Yokozuna Terunofuji dropped out of this month’s tournament due to an injury. The 30-year-old Yokozuna, who has achieved the greatest comeback story in the history of sumo, was plagued with a foot injury during the 2022 January basho and faced a bout with the Covid-19 virus last month. Considering this, the Yokozuna is still expected to return to action for the May tournament.
Takayasu and Wakatakakage atop the Leaderboard
With Day 13 at a close, Maegashira #7 Takayasu leads the tournament play with a record of 12-1. Sekiwake Wakatakakage knocked off the newly promoted Ozeki Mitakeumi to secure his spot as the sole sumo in 2nd place. With two days to go, popular Ozeki Takakeisho has been eliminated from the possibility of earning his 3rd top division championship as he fell to Takayasu via uwatenage (over arm throw) on Day 13.
Other Sumo to Watch as the Tournament Closes
Maegashira #15 Tochinoshin has achieved his first winning tournament since his November 2022 performance. The 34-year-old Georgian rikishi could still earn a 10-win tournament and be eligible to receive to Special Prize—something he has not achieved since May 2018.
Ozeki Shodai is on the brink of disaster as he still needs to win one more time within the next two days to keep his Ozeki status. Shodai defeated Maegashira #6 Kotonowaka via yorikiri (frontal force out) on Day 13.
Main Photo:Embed from Getty Images
