Grand champion Asashoryu put the finishing touches on his 20th Emperor's Cup with an emphatic win over Kotooshu on Sunday, the final day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
Asashoryu clinched his 20th Emperor's Cup on Saturday with a win over ozeki Tochiazuma. On the final day, he improved to 14-1 when he overpowered Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu (9-6) with a textbook arm throw in the final bout at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Mongolian Asashoryu, the only grand champion currently competing in sumo, is fifth on the all-time list of title winners. Grand champion Taiho, who retired in 1971, is first with 32.
PHOTO: AFP
It was also the fourth straight Emperor's Cup for the 26-year-old wrestler from Ulan Bator.
In other major bouts, No. 9 maegashira Toyonoshima, who was in contention for the title until Saturday, closed out his impressive showing with a win over sekiwake Kotomitsuki.
Toyonoshima sidestepped a charging Kotomitsuki (8-7) and slapped his opponent down to finish with a solid record of 12-3.
For his efforts, Toyonoshima was awarded with the tournament's Fighting Spirit Prize and Technique Prize.
Elsewhere, Mongolian Hakuho fought off a series of arm thrusts and lifted fellow ozeki Chiyotaikai out over the straw ridge to give both wrestlers a 10-5 record.
Veteran Kaio wrapped up a winning record at 8-7 when he used an arm throw to send struggling fellow ozeki Tochiazuma sprawling to the dirt. Tochiazuma, who has been hampered by injury in this tourney, closed out with a disappointing record of 5-10.
Mongolian Ama, a No. 4 maegashira, recovered from a shaky faceoff and used an arm throw at the edge of the ring to improve to 10-5 with a win over komusubi Kisenosato, who dropped to 7-8.
Top maegashira Kotoshogiku denied fan favorite Takamisakari a winning record when he muscled out the fifth-ranked maegashira to improve to 9-6. Takamisakari finished the tournament with a record of 7-8.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely