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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 4:17 a.m., Thursday, March 19, 2009

Sumo: Asashoryu, Hakuho share lead at 5-0

Associated Press

OSAKA, Japan — Grand champion Asashoryu hauled down Goeido on Thursday to remain undefeated and tied for the lead with fellow Mongolian Hakuho at the Spring Grand Sumo tournament.

In the day's final bout at Osaka Municipal Gymnasium, Asashoryu sent Goeido back at the faceoff with a shove to the head and then swatted the komusubi down to improve to 5-0 in the 15-day meet. Goeido, who was no match for the burly Mongolian, dropped to 2-3.

In the previous bout, Hakuho maintained his share of the lead when he overpowered No. 2 maegashira Tochiozan to improve to 5-0. Tochiozan fell to 2-3.

Asashoryu is bidding for his 24th Emperor's Cup while Hakuho is seeking his 10th. Asashoryu defeated Hakuho in an extra deciding bout at the New Year tournament after the pair finished 14-1.

In other major bouts, Bulgarian Kotooshu used an arm throw at the center of the ring to send Hokutoriki sprawling to the dirt surface. Ozeki Kotooshu improved to 3-2 while top maegashira Hokutoriki remained winless.

Ozeki Harumafuji of Mongolia had a hard-fought win over sekiwake Baruto of Estonia to move to 4-1. Baruto fell to 2-3.

Ozeki Kaio forced out No. 3 maegashira Miyabiyama (1-4) to remain in the pack at 4-1 while top maegashira Kakuryu ousted ozeki Chiyotaikai to pick up his second win against three losses. Chiyotaikai fell to 1-4.

Ozeki Kotomitsuki got both arms around Kyokutenho and waltzed the Mongolian komusubi out to improve to 3-2. Kyokutenho saw his record drop to 2-3.

Lower-ranked Yamamotoyama, who came into Thursday's bouts undefeated, was shoved out by Tosanoumi (1-4) to drop to 4-1.