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Sumo Opens With Split for Yokozuna as Japan’s Sports Weekend Crowns New Champions

Domestic finals concluded across Japan, with Vissel Kobe’s draw effectively ending its title defense under heavy injury strain.

Overview

  • Grand Sumo’s Kyushu basho began in Fukuoka, where Yokozuna Dainosato beat Takayasu and Yokozuna Hoshoryu fell to Hakuoho on opening day.
  • Returning ozeki Kotosakura defeated Wakatakakage, new sekiwake Anseishin toppled Kirishima, and sekiwake Oho overcame Wakamotoharu to start their campaigns.
  • Kaori Sakamoto won the NHK Trophy, said the result felt like redemption after her French GP runner-up, and confirmed she will use the gap before the Final to refine both programs.
  • At the All-Japan Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships, Miruno Kida claimed three apparatus titles, while Naha Suzuki took clubs and university teams split the group events.
  • Vissel Kobe drew 1–1 at Gamba Osaka, a result that ended hopes of a third straight J1 crown as injuries and a congested ACLE schedule limited key players’ availability.