Kisenosato Suffers Second Loss

Kisenosato’s hopes for being promoted to yokozuna at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament are suddenly looking very slim. On Tuesday, the ozeki suffered his second loss of the tournament.

He is now 1-2 in the fifteen day tournament. He was defeated by maegashira Tochinoshin, who is also 1-2. It was a disappointing performance by Kisenosato, who now has his work cut out for him if he is to rise up the sumo tournament ranks.

He employed an aggressive strategy against Tochinoshin, rushing him but getting easily sidestepped by Tochinoshin. Kisenosato tried to mount a comeback but his Georgian opponent gave him one last push to secure his first win of the tournament.

“I didn’t have my mind made up at all,” Tochinoshin said. “I decided once I stepped onto the dohyo. I wanted to avoid a bad start at all costs.”

“Things unfolded my way, and I just happened to be on the winning end today.”

Another big name in the tournament, yokozuna Harumafuji, had an unsuccessful day as well. He was defeated by No. 1 maegashira Okinoumi, who is now 3-0 in the tournament.

Original Story: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2016/09/13/sumo/basho-reports/kisenosato-suffers-another-setback/#.V9hjq5MrLow