No. 4 maegashira Ichinojo use a quick victory to remain one win behind undefeated sole tournament leader yokozuna Hakuho on the 13th day at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka on Friday.
Ichinojo slapped down komusubi Mitakeumi (5-8) to stay in the hunt for his first Emperor's Cup. Hakuho tussled with ozeki Goeido (10-3) before securing a tight grip the belt of his opponent and forcing him out.
If Hakuho defeats ozeki Takayasu (10-3) in the penultimate bout on Saturday, and Ichinojo falls to sekiwake Takakeisho (9-4), Hukuho would lock up his record-extending 42nd career tournament title.
Meanwhile, yokozuna Kakuryu forced out ozeki Tochinoshin (6-7), who is competing under kadoban status, to earn his 10th win. The yokozuna, however, is three wins behind leader Hakuho.
Sekiwake Tamawashi, who won the New Year tournament in January, suffered his eighth loss when No. 5 maegashira Chiyotairyu (7-6) forced him out.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
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