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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, January 27, 2002

Tochiazuma wins his first sumo title

Advertiser News Services

Ozeki (champion) Tochiazuma won his first Emperor's Cup today, beating fellow ozeki Chiyotaikai twice on the final day of the 15-day New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo.

Tochiazuma was one victory behind Chiyotaikai heading into the final day at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan. Tochiazuma needed to beat Chiyotaikai to force a playoff, and he did.

In their first match, Tochiazuma won with a pushout after Chiyotaikai slipped while trying to move to the side of Tochiazuma. Both finished with 13-2 records to force a wrestleoff.

In the wrestleoff, Tochiazuma sidestepped a charging Chiyotaikai and pushed down his falling opponent.