Day 6: Kirishima Weathers Fujiryoga's Charge and Drives Him Down to Go 5-1
Ozeki Kirishima, 30 (Otowayama), beat West Maegashira 1 Fujiryoga, 23 (Fujishima), who has beaten a yokozuna and two ozeki this basho, by yoritaoshi on Day 6. Fujiryoga came out pushing hard, but Kirishima circled along the edge, caught him, and with a left shitate and right uwate drove him down (Nikkan Sports, Yomiuri Shimbun). Kirishima is 5-1 and tied for the lead; Fujiryoga has two losses (Daily Sports). NHK commentator Minatogawa (ex-ozeki Takakeisho), noting that Fujiryoga has now finished his bouts against the yokozuna and ozeki, said, 'This is a basho to feel how far he can go against the top ranks, so I hope he puts that to use from here on' (Nikkan Sports).
Sources: Yahoo! Japan Sports (Nikkan Sports) · Yahoo! Japan Sports (Yomiuri Shimbun) · Yahoo! Japan Sports (Daily Sports) · Yahoo! Japan Sports (Jiji Press photo)