Ukrainian sumo wrestler Aonishiki (Danylo Yavhushyn) secured his fourth victory at the 10th day of the Aki Basho 2026 tournament in Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan, while teammate Shishi (Sergey Shish Sokolovskyy) yielded in a match against Oshoma, as yokozuna Onosato extended his lead.
Aonishiki’s 10th-day triumph over third-ranked maegashira Yoshigisu Churanoumi marked his seventh win of the tournament, raising his record to 7-3 and placing him fifth in the standings. The Ukrainian wrestler overcame concerns about a left-leg injury sustained during the bout, ultimately prevailing in a grueling match that saw him overtake Churanoumi in the chasing group. His performance kept him in contention for the championship, with future matches against Takano-sho and Kinbozan looming.
Shishi’s match against Oshoma saw him fall after losing his balance in a prolonged match. Meanwhile, yokozuna Onosato maintained his dominance, defeating Hakufujid to extend his record, positioning him as the clear favorite for the Emperor’s Cup.
Aonishiki Yavhushyn defeated Yoshigisu Churanoumi
Aonishiki’s 10th-day victory over Churanoumi was marked by strategic adjustments. The Ukrainian wrestler faced a tough opponent in the third-ranked maegashira. Despite a painful injury during the bout, Aonishiki adapted his technique, ultimately prevailing to move up to fifth place. His performance underscored his determination.
The 11th day saw Fudjinokawa struggle against Onosato, while Atamifudzuki fell to Kirishima, further tightening the race.
The 10th day also featured the battle of giants,
where Atamifudzuki defeated Kotozakura, with their combined weight totaling 376 kg. Fudjinokawa, a 125-kg wrestler, utilized the henka technique against Takano-sho, a maneuver that involves avoiding initial contact and is not prohibited by rules despite being considered unsportsmanlike. Meanwhile, Shishi’s match included a yorikiri (push-out) following a tachiai (initial charge).
Aonishiki and Shishi won, yokozuna chases the Emperor’s Cup
On the 11th day, Aonishiki improved to 8-3, moving into second place behind Onosato (10-1). Aonishiki’s next challenge is a high-stakes match against Takano-sho, a matchup he leads 4-1 in their head-to-head history.
As the Aki Basho enters its final days, the stakes for both wrestlers remain high. The tournament’s conclusion on the 15th day will determine the winner of the Emperor’s Cup, with Onosato’s 10-1 record making him the favorite.
The 12th day’s schedule includes Aonishiki’s matchup against Kinbozan, a Kazakh wrestler with an 8-3 record who holds a 1-2 advantage in their head-to-head encounters. Shishi’s next opponent, Nishikifudzuki, has a 3-1 record against him, adding pressure to his upcoming bout. These matches will be critical in shaping the final standings.