Kisenosato Toppling Kakuryu Headlines Kyushu Day 11

Kakuryu crashed to reality on Wednesday, the 11th day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.

After handing yokozuna Hakuho his second defeat, ozeki Kisenosato took down yokozuna Kakuryu for his 31st career win. According to The Japan Times, yokozuna looked hesitant, and Kisenosato took advantage. Kakuryu had left-handed underarm hold on the ozeki’s belt and attempted a throw, however it was poorly executed. His grip slipped and Kisenosato applied an armlock throw that ended the match.

Kakuryu is now tied for the lead at 10-1 with fellow Mongolian yokozuna Harumafuji and makuuchi-division debutant Ishiura. Kisenosato and yokozuna Hakuho are both one win further back at 9-2.

For Kotoshogiku, the loss means he will fight as a kadoban ozeki in January, when eight or more losses will mean demotion to the rank of sekiwake.

In other action, Sekiwake Takayasu (4-7) put up a strong fight against yokozuna Hakuho, but lacked the finesse needed complete the victory. Hakuho kept his poise and sent Takayasu to defeat with a hatakikomi slap-down win.

In the day’s only all-ozeki clash, Goeido recorded his eighth win, while denying Terunofuji the eighth victory he needs to remain at his current rank for January’s basho.