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Hakuho inches closer to grand champion status

Ozeki Kaio, right, throws Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu to the ground during their 13th-day bout at the 15-day Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo yesterday. Kaio (8-5) defeated Asashoryu (10-3). PHOTO: AFP

Mongolian Hakuho inched closer to promotion to grand champion yesterday with a solid win over Kotomitsuki at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament.

Ozeki Hakuho got a grip of Kotomitsuki's belt and hoisted the bulky sekiwake out over the straw ridge to improve to a perfect 13-0 in the 15-day meet at Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Kotomitsuki fell to 10-3.

Hakuho could wrap up his second straight Emperor's Cup on Saturday and ensure himself promotion to the sport's highest rank.

Sumo hasn't had two grand champions competing at the same time since November 2003.

Mongolian Asashoryu, sumo's lone grand champion, fell out of contention when he was thrown down by ozeki Kaio in the day's final bout.

Asashoryu fell to 10-3 while Kaio improved 9-4.

In other major bouts, Bulgarian Kotooshu dispatched fellow ozeki Chiyotaikai to wrap up a winning record and improve to 8-5.

Chiyotaikai, who dropped to 10-3, attempted to use his trademark arm thrusts but was shoved out by Kotooshu, who managed to get a hold of Chiyotaikai's belt.

Eighth-ranked maegashira Asasekiryu stayed in the hunt when he overpowered No. 4 Aminishiki to notch up his 11th win against a pair of losses.

Aminishiki, who beat Asashoryu on Tuesday, dropped to 8-5.

Tenth-ranked maegashira Dejima ousted Takamisakari to improve to an impressive 11-2. Takamisakari, a No. 7 maegashira, dropped to 8-5.

Top maegashira Tokitenku pulled a fast one on Mongolian Ama, dodging to his side at the faceoff and swatting the sekiwake out to pick up his seventh win against six losses.

Ama, who ended up in the first row of seats, dropped to 6-7.
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