Wed, May 23, 2007 - Page 20 News List

Aminishiki stuns Asashoryu in sumo tourney

CHAMPION GOES DOWNIn the dya's final bout, a rnak-and-filer shocked hsi better-known rival at Ryogoku Kokugikan, sending the Mongolian flying as he tried to tug his opponent at the ring's edge

AP , TOKYO

Mongolian sumo champion Hakuho throws Toyonoshima to the ground during the ninth day of the 15-day Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on Monday. Hakuho defeated Toyonoshima to post a 9-0 record in the tournament.

PHOTO: AFP

Hakuho took sole possession of the lead yesterday after rank-and-filer Aminishiki stunned Asashoryu by sending him to his first loss in Japan's Summer Grand Sumo tournament.

Ozeki Hakuho, who is bidding for promotion to grand champion, toppled fourth-ranked maegashira Tochiozan to extend his record to 10 wins.

Tochiozan fell to 4-6 in the 15-day tourney.

Hakuho, who had been tied for the lead with fellow Mongolian Asashoryu, won the Spring tournament.

Capturing the Emperor's Cup in this tournament would ensure promotion to grand champion.

Aminishiki defeated Asashoryu in the day's final bout at Ryogoku Kokugikan, sending the grand champion flying out as he tried to tug at Aminishiki at the ring's edge.

Asashoryu's record fell to 9-1, while Aminishiki improved to 7-3.

In other major bouts, sekiwake Kotomitsuki stayed on pace with one loss after toppling rank-and-filer Kisenosato, who fell to 4-6.

Chiyotaikai engaged in a fierce slapping battle with fellow ozeki Kaio before pulling the latter down, bringing both wrestlers' records to 8-2.

Mongolian sekiwake Ama upset Bulgarian Kotooshu, working his way quickly behind the ozeki to send him out.

Ama evened his record at five wins and losses, while Kotooshu dropped to 7-3.

Top-ranked maegashira Tokitenku made short work of Kotoshogiku, improving his record to 5-5 while the komusubi fell to 4-6.

Komusubi Toyonoshima traded a flurry of moves and jumps with Kakizoe before easing the latter out for his second win of the tournament. Kakizoe remained winless at 0-10.

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