Mitakeumi’s bid for a third career Emperor’s Cup and promotion to the rank of ozeki took a hit on Day 10 of the ongoing New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
A loss to rank-and-filer Hokutofuji effectively cut the veteran sekiwake’s margin for error over the meet’s final third down to a single defeat.
The Dewanoumi stable man’s 3-12 head-to-head record (and seven-bout losing streak) against Terunofuji makes victory over the yokozuna unlikely, but Mitakeumi could still reach the promised land if he can win the rest of his remaining bouts.