Tokyo is sweltering with temperatures reaching 35°C this week, mirroring the excitement inside Ryogoku Kokugikan during the 2024 Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.
Usually, the first few days of a sumo tournament are about setting up positions rather than high-stakes matches, with the real competition heating up closer to the final weekend. This year, though, the action has been intense right from the start.
A major controversy arose after Tuesday’s matches when Tobizaru seemed to end his four-match losing streak by beating Kotozakura. However, the referee awarded the victory to Kotozakura, and none of the five judges questioned the decision or asked for a review. Replays showed Tobizaru was still standing while Kotozakura was on the ground, leading to widespread criticism on social media. Former ozeki Konishiki called the decision a mistake, and fans were outraged.
If Kotozakura wins the tournament by a narrow margin, the dispute over this match could become even more heated.
Despite the controversy, Kotozakura has started strong with a 3-0 record. However, Onosato, who has also performed well, is a strong competitor. After a shaky start, Onosato has been impressive, showing the skills of a future top-ranked wrestler. He aims to win 12 matches, which would promote him to the sport's second-highest rank.
With grand champion Terunofuji absent, Onosato is considered the favorite. But sumo is unpredictable, and other wrestlers like Hiradoumi, who has bounced back from an early loss, could also compete for the title.
Former ozeki Takakeisho withdrew from the tournament after two losses due to neck injuries. This is disappointing, as he had been a top performer and is still young. His future in sumo is uncertain, and fans hope he can recover and return to form.
Newcomers Onokatsu and Shirokuma have struggled with a 1-2 record so far. Meanwhile, former ozeki Shodai has made a strong start with a 3-0 record, showing signs of a comeback after a tough period.
As the tournament continues, the main contenders for the Emperor’s Cup seem to be Onosato and Kotozakura, with potential surprises from Hiradoumi and Shodai keeping the excitement high.
🏅🎉 Predict who will win the championship title in this tournament and win special prizes by joining K8 x Honbasho Grand Sumo Tournament
📌 Read for more details: https://k8airdrop.com/promo/honbasho-grand-sumo-tournament-airdrop-giveaway
Stick with https://k8airdrop.com/ for more Sports, esport, games, news, guides, and more!
Discover the thrill of cutting-edge online slot games! Visit http://k8.io/ now for an unparalleled gaming experience with the latest and greatest slot games.
Jon Jones is unlikely to engage with the upcoming crop of heavyweight challengers unless there's a strong level of excitement from the general public.
Read moreJoin our subscribers list to get latest news and updates about our promos delivered directly to your inbox.