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Tobizaru Stuns Promotion-Chasing Takakeisho on Opening Day of Spring Basho

Sumo's Flying Monkey posted his third consecutive win over ozeki Takakeisho in the day's final bout at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium.

Published

2 years ago

March 12, 2023

Jim Armstrong

Tobizaru stands near Takakeisho after the ozeki lost his opening match of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on March 12 in Osaka. (ⒸSANKEI)

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Komusubi Tobizaru upset Takakeisho on Sunday, March 12, dealing an early setback to the ozeki's hopes of winning the title and earning promotion to yokozuna on the opening day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.

Takakeisho pushed Tobizaru back after the face-off in the day's final bout at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, but sumo's Flying Monkey shifted to his right and swatted the stunned ozeki down.

"I was able to move well," Tobizaru said. "I'm very pleased to defeat the ozeki on the opening day and I got a lot of energy from the crowd and want to continue to do my brand of sumo."

It was the third consecutive tournament where Tobizaru has defeated Takakeisho.

After winning the New Year Basho for his third title overall, Takakeisho is hoping to earn promotion to yokozuna with a fourth title in the 15-day meet. But he didn't get the start he wanted.

There is still a long way to go, but Takakeisho can ill-afford any more slip-ups like this. He had Tobizaru where he wanted him but couldn't get the job done.