Atamifuji Shrugs Off Fujinokawa's Leg Grab, and a Stray Foot to the Face, to Stay Perfect at 5-0
Sekiwake Atamifuji, 24 (Isegahama), beat fellow sekiwake Fujinokawa, 21 (Isenoumi), by yoritaoshi on Day 5 to remain the only unbeaten man in makuuchi. At 185 cm and 198 kg he outweighs the 177-cm, 125-kg Fujinokawa by 73 kg and led their series 4-2, but Fujinokawa is known for tricks at the tachi-ai. Atamifuji did not charge hard, standing up to watch him; Fujinokawa jumped to his right and went for the legs, and Atamifuji simply caught him, clamped down from the left and drove him down as he tried to hang on (Nikkan Sports). Fujinokawa is 1-4. NHK commentator Kotokaze: 'Atamifuji seemed to be thinking he'd try something. Fujinokawa had a look of "here I go," but his hands didn't reach the legs.'
Two bouts earlier, Atamifuji had been struck in the face by Takerufuji's foot as Takerufuji tumbled off the dohyo after losing to Fujiryoga. Daily Sports says neither man was seriously hurt, and fans around the ring smiled at his bewildered look. Online comments included 'Clearly different from the end of last basho,' 'Atamifuji looking troubled when Takerufuji fell on him is cute' and 'I hope he somehow wins the title.'
Sources: Yahoo! Japan Sports (Nikkan Sports) · Yahoo! Japan Sports (Daily Sports)