{
  "id": 9967894,
  "title": "Sumo: Onosato beaten again as Aonishiki wins to set up grand finale",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/sumo-onosato-beaten-again-as-aonishiki-wins-to-set-up-grand-finale",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T11:21:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260926/p2g/00m/0sp/030000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Saturday, Yokozuna Onosato suffered his second consecutive defeat while ozeki Aonishiki claimed victory, setting the stage for a captivating conclusion to the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament. Both wrestlers are currently tied for the top spot with records of 11-3. Recognizing that a win would maintain his one-win advantage, Onosato launched an aggressive attack following a soft right underarm belt hold against ozeki Kotozakura (9-5) during the tournament's final bout at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.\n\nHowever, Kotozakura remained composed under early pressure, allowing himself ample time and space to overpower the former leader. The grand champion shifted his body to his left, sending Onosato crashing to the sand. Onosato, who has been dealing with left shoulder pain in recent matches, had previously won his fifth Emperor's Cup in September. Earlier in the day, Aonishiki ensured the title race would go down to the wire by defeating fellow ozeki Kirishima (7-7) with an eighth straight victory.\n\nUkrainian star Aonishiki, maintaining his signature low-angled body position, secured a right overarm belt hold and a left underarm grip to gain control against Kirishima, who desperately sought an escape route. Despite producing a beltless arm throw at the edge, Aonishiki ensured his body could not be turned, resulting in a frontal crush out as both wrestlers fell to the floor. Aonishiki had previously won the Nagoya meet in July after being demoted to sekiwake but returned to ozeki status upon achieving the required 10 wins. Former ozeki Asanoyama (10-4) was eliminated from contention after falling to new sekiwake Fujinokawa (10-4).\n\nFollowing a sharp opening clash, the No. 6 maegashira utilized his larger frame and powerful left arm to leave his opponent on the straw bales. An agile Fujinokawa displayed a last-ditch thrust down, with Asanoyama attempting a smart thigh grabbing push down during his descent, but it was not enough to prevent his opponent from retaining the ring.",
  "summary": "TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Yokozuna Onosato was beaten for the second straight day Saturday while ozeki Aonishiki won to set up a fascinating finale to the Autu",
  "key_points": [
    "Yokozuna Onosato loses second straight bout",
    "Ozeki Aonishiki wins to set up grand finale",
    "Both wrestlers tied at 11-3 atop standings"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}