With two yokozuna and one ozeki absent from the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan, Japan Sumo Association Chairman Hakkaku (former yokozuna Hokutoumi) has suggested the championship race could be wide open. Yokozuna Onosato withdrew from the first day, along with ozeki Anseishin, and yokozuna Hoshoryu pulled out from the second day. “This tournament, it wouldn’t be surprising if anyone wins. Even those in the lower ranks of makuuchi could claim the championship if they perform well,” Hakkaku predicted. After two days, some wrestlers have already lost two matches, but he emphasized, “Even with two losses, if they win about 12 bouts, they still have a chance. They must never give up.”
With two yokozuna and one ozeki out, the top of the banzuke now features ozeki Kotozakura and Kirishima. While they hold a ranking advantage, Hakkaku noted the added pressure: “The pressure to win is different than vying for the championship. When yokozuna are competing behind you, and when you are the last ones standing, it’s a completely different feeling. Ozeki cannot afford to be passive. The question is whether they can perform as usual.” Regarding two-time winner Kirishima, he said, “If he wins this tournament, he will gain tremendous confidence. It’s only the second day, but if he wins, he could set his sights on the next step (yokozuna).”
New sekiwake Atamifuji and Kotoshoho both started with two straight losses. However, Hakkaku stressed that they still have championship potential: “They’re losing because their movement is off. But if they start winning, you never know.” After Takayasu’s victory over Kotoshoho, he added, “This man (Takayasu) is a championship contender.”
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