Sumo: Grand Champion Onosato Pleases Crowd As London Tournament Begins

LONDON, Oct 16 (Bernama-Kyodo) -- Japan’s Yokozuna Onosato thrilled the crowd with his ring-entering ceremony before tossing aside rank-and-file opponent Ura in their opening bout as the exhibition Grand Sumo Tournament began Wednesday at London's Royal Albert Hall, Kyodo News Agency reported.

The five-day event at the iconic live-performance venue marks the Japan Sumo Association's return to the British capital for the first time since 1991.

Tickets for the five days are nearly sold out, with around 5,400 spectators on hand to watch the first day's bouts following an opening address by JSA President Hakkaku.

"I am proud to be able to present sumo, an important part of Japanese culture, to the people of London," said Hakkaku, formerly yokozuna Hokutoumi.

The other current yokozuna, Mongolian-born Hoshoryu, was also among the first-day winners, dispatching up-and-coming maegashira Hakuoho.

Having visited local landmarks such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace in the preceding days, Onosato was excited to get down to business in the ring for an appreciative audience.

"I was happy to receive so many cheers," the 25-year-old yokozuna said. "The venue was unique and the atmosphere incredible."

The tournament is the JSA's first overseas meet since staging a similar event in Las Vegas in 2005. The winner will be the wrestler with the best record over the five days of competition.

-- BERNAMA-KYODO