Asashoryu, Hakuho continue to dominate on day 4 of Summer Grand Sumo Tournament

Wed, May 14 03:53 PM

TOKYO (AP) _ Grand champions Asashoryu and Hakuho both made quick work of their opponents Wednesday on the fourth day of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament. Hakuho toppled fellow Mongolian Kyokutenho with a powerful overarm throw that sent the No.

2 maegashira tumbling onto the ring. The yokozuna improves to a perfect 4-0 in his quest for his seventh title victory, and looks to avenge a final-day loss in March to archrival Asashoryu at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.

Kyokutenho fell to 1-3. Russia's Wakanoho had a shot at pulling off another upset against Asashoryu, but the Mongolian executed an aggressive, well-timed armlock throw at the edge of the ring against the No.

2 maegashira. Despite a shocking opening-day loss, the confident Asashoryu improved to 3-1 in his march toward a 23rd Emperor's Cup.

A victory would move him into fourth place on the all-time title list. Kotooshu, who must post a winning record at the 15-day meet to maintain his ozeki status, gained more momentum with a victory over winless Kokkai of Georgia.

With a frontal push down from the left, the Bulgarian rammed the No. 1 maegashira into the clay.

Kotooshu is now 4-0, sharing the early lead with Hakuho and Toyonoshima. Kotomitsuki rebounded from a loss the previous day by outlasting Baruto of Estonia, who succumbed to an inner thigh twist down.

The ozeki improves his record to 3-1, while Baruto remains winless. It was a bad day, however, for the two other ozeki-ranked wrestlers.

No. 3 maegashira Miyabiyama handed veteran Kaio his third straight loss with a slap down near the edge of the ring.

Kaio and Miyabiyama are both at 1-3. Chiyotaikai was forced out of the ring by Asasekiryu of Mongolia, sliding to 2-2 for the tournament.

In other bouts on day four, Ama had Kisenosato under control but victory slipped away after the sekiwake fell over the edge at the last second. Ama of Mongolia dropped to 2-2, while komusubi-ranked Kisenosato improved to 3-1.

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