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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 3:58 a.m., Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Sumo: Hakuho 4-0 in autumn tournament

Associated Press

TOKYO — Grand champion Hakuho shoved out Kyokutenho on Wednesday to stay undefeated at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.

Hakuho tightly gripped his opponent's belt, dragged him toward the straw ridge and gave him a final push to move to a 4-0 record in the 15-day tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan arena. Kyokutenho slipped to 1-3.

The Mongolian yokozuna, who is bidding for his eighth victory after winning the Nagoya tournament in July, shares his 4-0 record with three lower-ranked wresters.

His archrival, fellow Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu, overpowered No. 2 maegashira Kisenosato with a series of hand thrusts into the opponent's neck, collecting his third victory against one defeat. Kisenosato is winless at 4-0.

Asashoryu missed the Nagoya tournament due to injury, and is aiming for his 23rd title.

Ozeki Chiyotaikai landed on his belly as top maegashira Asasekiryu leaped to the side after the face off, catching the senior wrester off guard and handing him the first defeat against three wins. Asasekiryu, who is also from Mongolia, improved to 2-2.

Ozeki Kotomitsuki shoved out No. 4 maegashira Aminishiki, rising to 3-1. Aminishiki sank to 1-3.

Top maegashira Miyabiyama bulldozed out ozeki Kotooshu, improving to 2-2, while the Bulgarian sank to 1-3.