honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 5:24 a.m., Saturday, September 20, 2008

Sumo: Four tied at 6-1 in autumn tournament

Associated Press

TOKYO — Grand champion Hakuho overpowered Baruto to collect his sixth victory Saturday and get a share of the four-way lead in the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.

His archrival and fellow Mongolian Asashoryu, also a grand champion, bounced back from his setback the day before to stay on the heels of the leaders.

In the final bout at the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena, Hakuho managed to unlock the Estonian komusubi's persistent grip and bulldozed him out of the straw ridge.

Hakuho, seeking his eighth tournament victory after winning the Nagoya tournament, is now 6-1.

Asashoryu chased away No. 4 maegashira Tochinonada with a series of frontal thrusts. Asashoryu, aiming for his 23rd Emperor's Cup, rose to 5-2, while Tochinonada sank to 2-5.

Ozeki Kotomitsuki defeated Goeido to leave both with 6-1 records and a share of the lead. Kotomitsuki stopped his opponent from getting hold of his belt and forced him out, handing the No. 5 maegashira his first defeat.

Sekiwake Ama, also from Mongolia, is the other leader after throwing down lower-ranked Asasekiryu, who fell to 2-5.

In other bouts, ozeki Kaio yanked down top maegashira Miyabiyama to collect his fourth victory against three losses, while No. 4 maegashira Aminishiki pushed out ozeki Chiyotaikai, leaving both at 4-3.