Posted at 6:45 a.m., Saturday, March 24, 2007
Asashoryu, Hakuho tied for sumo lead with one day to go
Associated Press
OSAKA, Japan — Grand champion Asashoryu overwhelmed Hakuho on today, keeping his Mongolian compatriot from wrapping up the title on the second to last day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.In the day's final bout at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, Asashoryu upended ozeki Hakuho to give both wrestlers a 12-2 record and an equal shot at winning the Emperor's Cup on the final day tomorrow.
Hakuho will face Kotooshu while Asashoryu takes on Chiyotaikai on the 15th day. If both wrestlers win they will settle the title in a head-to-head playoff.
Asashoryu, who lost his first two bouts of the tournament, has won 12 straight and will be bidding for his 21st title.
Hakuho had a chance to win the his second title with a win over Asashoryu but will now have to wait for Sunday's final bouts.
In other major bouts, Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu fought off a series of arm thrusts and then swatted down Chiyotaikai to wrap up a winning record and improve to 8-6. Ozeki Chiyotaikai fell to 7-7.
Sekiwake Kotomitsuki swatted down 14th-ranked maegashira Tochiozan to improve to 9-5. Tochiozan dropped to 10-4.
No. 5 maegashira Homasho continued to impress when he forced out komusubi Ama to improve to 10-4. Mongolian Ama dropped to 8-6.
No. 8 maegashira Tamanoshima overpowered Russian Roho to pick up his 10th win against four losses. Seventh-ranked maegashira Roho fell to 7-7.
Ozeki Kaio hauled down fourth-ranked Takekaze to even his record at 7-7. Takekaze was handed his eighth loss against six wins.
