Musashimaru claims ninth Emperor's Cup

Associated Press

FUKUOKA, Japan — Yokozuna (grand champion) Musashimaru threw sekiwake (junior champion) Tochiazuma down and out of the ring today to capture the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament with one day to spare.

In the last match of day at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center, Musashimaru (Wai'anae's Fiamalu Penitani) grabbed the sekiwake's mawashi (belt), drove him to the edge of the ring, then lifted and threw him down. Musashimaru improved to 13-1, while Tochiazuma fell to 11-3 with one day left in the 15-day tournament.

Musashimaru, who won his ninth emperor's Cup, will wrestle ozeki (champion) Kaio in the tournament's final bout tomorrow. It was Musashimaru's first tournament title since winning the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament Sept. 18, 2000.

Musashimaru, the only yokozuna in this tournament, won his first nine matches before losing to No. 6 maegashira Daizen.

Despite the loss, Tochiazuma remained in good position for a promotion to ozeki for the New Year's Grand Sumo Tournament starting in January, 2002.