Bulgaria’s best sumo wrestler – Daniel Ivanov “Aoiyama” lost its first match of the ongoing Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
The event takes place in Tokyo because of the COVID-19 restrictions in Japan. Maegashira #12 Aoiyama won his first two bouts, but on the third day, he was defeated by Maegashira #13 Chiyoshoma via sukuinage.
It was the second triumph for the Mongolian rikishi, as both wrestlers have a 2-1 record after three matches.
Yokozuna Hakuho has withdrawn from the tournament earlier today. Last year’s Haru Basho winner told the Japan Sumo Association he was pulling out of the 15-day tournament at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan because of problems with his troublesome right knee.
The winner of a record 44 top-division titles will have surgery to repair his patella and swelling around the joint later this month, followed by an expected two-month rehabilitation.
With the other Mongolian-born grand champion, Kakuryu, having already pulled out before opening day, the ozeki trio of Asanoyama, Shodai and Takakeisho once again share top billing at a grand tournament.
