Grand champion Asashoryu of Mongolia outlasted compatriot Hakuho in a playoff yesterday to win the Emperor's Cup on the final day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
Asashoryu finally prevailed when he used an arm throw at the ring's edge to send the determined sekiwake toppling off the raised ring. It was Asashoryu's 16th Emperor's Cup and eighth in the last nine tournaments.
"I didn't win the last tournament so I'm very pleased with today's win," said Asashoryu. "He [Hakuho] is a great rival and has made a lot of progress but I don't want to lose to him."
After Hakuho lost to Kaio earlier, Asashoryu had a chance to win the tournament outright in the final bout at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium but was upset by ozeki Tochiazuma.
Tochiazuma, who finished at 12-3, overpowered the Mongolian grand champion in the final regulation bout to set up the decisive playoff between Asashoryu and Hakuho.
It was Tochiazuma who put an end to Asashoryu's streak of seven straight titles by winning the Emperor's Cup in the New Year tourney in January.
Earlier, ozeki Kaio put Hakuho's title hopes on hold when he forced the Mongolian sekiwake out to improve to 8-7.
It was a huge win for veteran Kaio, who needed a winning record to maintain his ozeki status. Kaio said earlier in the tournament that he would rather retire than be demoted.
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