July Basho 2026 — Bouts

DAY 9 REVIEW

Day 9 was a day of historic upsets in Nagoya: both yokozuna and both ozeki lost. The headline belonged, once again, to Aonishiki. He beat yokozuna Onosato for the first time in his career with a crisp overarm pulling throw, securing his winning record and holding his place at the front. 'The sumo itself wasn't good, but my body reacted well,' he said calmly — now just two wins from the ten he needs for his special return to ozeki. Hoshoryu was forced out by new komusubi Yoshinofuji, who has now beaten both yokozuna this tournament. Kirishima was thrust down by Churanoumi to fall two back, and Kotozakura lost yet again, thrown by the relentless Hakunofuji. Sekiwake Atamifuji and Kotoshoho both held firm with wins. Three men — Aonishiki, Kotoeiho and Shishi — now share the lead with one loss apiece. Entering the final stretch, the title race belongs to a sekiwake and two rank-and-filers, while the sport's highest ranks endure a brutal day.