Rank-and-file wrestler Endo defeated a yokozuna for the second straight day, this time beating Hakuho on Day 2 of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on Monday.
The No. 1 maegashira endured Hakuho's attempts to throw him out of the ring before countering with a knee-locking maneuver to send the yokozuna onto his back. Hakuho is now 1-1.
Yokozuna Kakuryu, who lost to Endo the previous day, led komusubi Abi (0-2) out of the ring for his first victory of the tourney.
Newly promoted sekiwake Asanoyama (2-0) took his time to finally usher No. 3 maegashira Tamawashi (1-1) out of the ring after exchanging strong slaps with his opponent in their attempts to secure each other's belt.
Meanwhile, Goeido, on the kadoban status needing at least a majority of eight wins in the tourney to remain in the ozeki rank, lost to No. 2 maegashira Mitakeumi (1-1), suffering his second loss of the basho. The maegashira cruised to easily force out the ozeki.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
