That sound emanating from the Kokugikan in Tokyo around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday was a collective intake of breath as one dream after another got crushed on opening day of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.
Thankfully, both yokozuna stepped up to the plate to rescue pre-tournament story lines and alleviate fears of another basho marked by underperforming top-rankers.
Onosato and Hoshoryu continued their winning ways through the meet’s first three days to raise fans hopes of seeing a first Day 15 yokozuna showdown for the Emperor’s Cup in five years.
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