Diminutive komusubi Takakeisho is overcoming the disbandment of his stable and energizing the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, which is without many of the highest-ranked wrestlers who are out injured.
Takakeisho took over sole possession of the lead on Friday, beating komusubi Kaisei for his sixth win in as many days in Fukuoka.
The 1.75-meter tall Takakeisho slammed head-on into Kaisei, who has a 20-centimeter height advantage, and used a powerful thrust to put a halt to any advancement. Kaisei tried to move forward, but Takakeisho then deftly used his opponent's momentum against him, slapping Kaisei down for the victory.
The 22-year-old Takakeisho had to move to the Chiganoura stable following the sudden disbandment of his former stable, a change triggered by the resignation of stablemaster Takanohana from sumo's governing body.
Takakeisho's emergence comes with all three yokozuna out of the basho, following the withdrawal of Kisenosato the previous day.
Meanwhile, No. 2 maegashira Tochiozan, who started the day tied for the lead with Takakeisho, dropped to 5-1 after No. 3 maegashira Nishikigi forced him out.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
