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Asashoryu defeats Roho to stay level with kinsman Ama

Mongolian sumo wrestler Hakuho, right, throws Miyabiyama during their bout at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena yesterday. PHOTO: AP/KYODO NEWS

Grand champion Asashoryu of Mongolia posted a hard-fought win over Roho of Russia yesterday to remain tied for the lead at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.

Asashoryu, who is gunning for his 18th Emperor's Cup, improved to 8-1 and is tied for the lead with his compatriot Ama. Ozeki Chiyotaikai and three rank-and-filers stay one win off the pace.

Asashoryu quickly took hold of Roho's belt soon after the faceoff while placing his head to the throat before swatting the top maegashira down. Roho fell to 7-2.

In an all-ozeki showdown, Ozeki Tochiazuma shoved Kotooshu of Bulgaria out of the ring after charging in low. Both wrestlers stand at 5-4.

In other major bouts, Hakuho of Mongolia endured a series of fierce arm thrusts of Miyabiyama, spanning him around before hauling him down to improve to 6-3.

Hakuho's hopes of being promoted to grand champion all but vanished with Saturday's loss -- a third defeat. He needed at least 13 wins of the 15-day tourney here to be considered for promotion to the sumo's top rank.
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