Tokyo was electrified on January 22 as Kinoshita faced Da-nosato on the 11th day of the January Grand Sumo Tournament held at the historic Ryogoku Kokugikan. Kinoshita, currently ranked as the 14th maegashira, showcased impressive prowess, securing his place at the top of the leaderboard with just one loss.
The match began with Kinoshita insistent on pushing the pace and attacking vigorously right from the tachi-ai (initial charge). He quickly capitalized on Da-nosato's withdrawal attempt—often seen as uncharacteristically defensive for the seasoned ozeki. This bold approach resulted in Kinoshita effectively thrusting Da-nosato to the ground, maintaining his momentum and preserving his slim lead at the tournament.
After his decisive victory, Kinoshita remarked on his performance, stating, "I'm doing well and keeping calm. My body is moving". His demeanor reflected both confidence and determination, as Kinoshita considers the championship within his reach.
Initially, when asked about his chances for the title, he humbly replied, "I didn't really think about winning at first, but yes, there's a bit of hope for victory. I want to do my best to win". This statement highlights the athlete's competitive spirit, along with his ability to stay grounded amid heightened expectations.
The defeat was particularly hard on Da-nosato, who, after entering the bout with aspirations of securing his own victories, recorded his fourth loss of the tournament. His performance was marked by hesitation, failing to assert the aggression expected from someone of his ranking.
Da-nosato's previous success had positioned him well within the ranks, but his passive strategy during this pivotal match caused his hopes for the championship to falter. Commentators noted, "Da-nosato was unable to stop Kinoshita's attack," pointing out the stark difference between both wrestlers' approaches to the bout.
The stakes were especially high during the latter rounds of the tournament as Kinoshita now stands alone at the top with ten victories, closely pursued by opponents with two losses each, including notable wrestlers such as Ohi and Chiyoshoma.
With each match, the competition grows fiercer, raising questions about Kinoshita's resilience. His commitment to performing under pressure is evident, and the upcoming matches will surely test his strategies and resolve.
All eyes will now be set on the next rounds, where Kinoshita will attempt to maintain his lead and fulfill the hopes of his supporters. The January Grand Sumo Tournament continues to captivate audiences, and with Kinoshita's electrifying performance, it’s clear the championship race is heating up.