Hoshoryu prevails to become Grand Champion
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Rachel Flynn
Reporting from the Royal Albert Hall
We’ve raced through the first section, and no wonder.
Some of these bouts have only lasted for a few seconds, while others spend a bit longer yanking each other around the ring.
The anticipation before the bout feels much longer. As rikishis squat and glare into each other’s eyes, any result feels possible.
Bout 10
Oshoma gets a winning record here in London, condemning Roga to a losing one.
With a Yorikiri (frontal force out) technique.
Image source, Japan Sumo AssociationBout Nine
A great match and a textbook throw by Midorifuji, the smallest man in the top division (still 114kg, however).
Image source, Japan Sumo AssociationBout Eight
Great 'tsuppari' action by Daieisho, who thrusts Roga out of the ring with relentless frontal slaps. Street Fighter style!
Image source, Japan Sumo AssociationBout Seven
A great tachiai (initial charge) between Takerufuji and Churanoumi.
Takerufuji wins with a yorikiri (frontal force out).
Image source, Japan Sumo AssociationBout Six
Sadanoumi vanishes in front of pushing Shodai and beats him with a hikiotoshi (hand pull down).
Image source, Japan Sumo AssociationTell us your thoughts via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply) #bbcsumo
Stick around, the flying monkey comes up after the interval
Back once again to say go Tobizaru! Bring it home today. The highlight of the tournament for me.
Daniel
Bout Five
Churanoumi tries a desperate throw at the edge, but Mitakeumi pushes him out and gets his fourth win.
Image source, Japan Sumo AssociationThomas Fabbri
Live from the Royal Albert Hall, London
Image source, Thomas FabbriKotoeiho impresses the crowd once again with his spectacular shiko skills.
He's the best at it!
However, Asakoryu was not impressed.
Bout Four
Image source, Japan Sumo AssociationRachel Flynn
Reporting from the Royal Albert Hall
Being inside the Royal Albert Hall feels like an orchestral arrangement.
To my right, I’ve got an earpiece filling me in on who’s who and what’s what.
Behind me, there’s cheers for wrestler Shishi - whose bout is about to begin.
There are roars as the Ukrainian wrestler lifts his opponent Shonannoumi out of the ring.
As the wrestlers stretch their legs up high, there’s a Mexican-wave- like “Woaaaahhhhhh”.
Bout Three
Asakoryu gets to the throat of Kotoeiho and beats him with an oshidashi (frontal push out).
Both almost end up on top of front row spectators!
Image source, Japan Sumo AssociationBout Two
Shishi gets his fourth win, lifting Shonannoumi out of the ring!
Will the Ukrainian claim a prize on the final day?
Image source, Japan Sumo AssociationBout One
Belt-fighting expert Ryuden gets his third win with a textbook uwatenage (overarm throw) technique.
Image source, Japan Sumo AssociationRachel Flynn
Reporting from the Royal Albert Hall
Image source, Rachel FlynnIt’s time for what we’ve all been waiting for. The matches (bouts) are about to begin!
But first - it’s imperative to make sure the ring is completely even, so sweepers are up and down after anyone has entered inside it.
There will be ten bouts in this first section.
Image source, BBC Sport
Image source, BBC Sport
Image source, EPA/ShutterstockThe bout is decided when a rikishi is forced out of the dohyo or touches the floor of the ring with anything other than the sole of his feet. Bouts can be over in a fraction of a second or last over two minutes.
There are two main fighting styles in sumo. Pusher-thrusters tend to shove their opponents out of the ring by force, while belt-fighters prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use judo-like throws.
High-ranking rikishi often excel in more than one type of combat and are able to adapt to their opponents.
There are 82 winning techniques, ranging from audacious throws to clever side-steps.
Thomas Fabbri
Live from the Royal Albert Hall, London
Image source, Thomas FabbriYokozuna Onosato, the highest ranking rikishi, is the first to perform the Yokozuna ring entering ceremony.
The crowd enthusiastically shouts "Yoisho!" at every foot stomp.
Image source, Thomas FabbriImy from Germany, who's sat on the front row cushion - 'I have my sumo fan dress on today. I'm a member of the sumo Cuenca supporters Association.
'I went to Japan on business many years ago when I fell in love with Sumo.
'And I'm so happy that they came back to London.'
Rachel Flynn
Reporting from the Royal Albert Hall
Image source, Rachel FlynnThey’re each wearing kesho-mawashi. The wrestlers look stern as they face each other in a circle.
Ura got the biggest cheer out of the first ten wrestlers to appear.
