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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 5:39 a.m., Sunday, March 29, 2009

Sumo: Hakuho dominates Asashoryu to finish 15-0

Associated Press

Mongolian Hakuho overpowered compatriot and fellow grand champion Asashoryu on Sunday to finish the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament with a perfect 15-0 record.

Hakuho, who wrapped up the Emperor's Cup on Saturday, shoved Asashoryu back at the faceoff and calmly lifted his opponent out in the tournament's final bout at Osaka Municipal Gymnasium.

Hakuho won his 10th title a day earlier when Asashoryu, the only wrestler with a chance of catching Hakuho, lost to Kotooshu.

Asashoryu, who won the New Year tournament, was no match for Hakuho and closed out the Spring meet with a sub-par 11-4 record.

Asashoryu, who was bidding for his 24th Emperor's Cup, was in contention until the 10th day when Harumafuji handed him his first of four losses.

In other major bouts, ozeki Harumafuji of Mongolia finished with a respectable 10-5 record when he shoved out ozeki Kaio, who closed with an 8-7 record.

Ozeki Kotooshu of Bulgaria also finished with a 10-5 record when he shoved out struggling ozeki Chiyotaikai, who finished with only two wins against 13 losses.

Sekiwake Baruto of Estonia secured a winning record when he forced out ozeki Kotomitsuki to give both wrestlers a record of 8-7.