Asashoryu defeats Hakuho

Grand Champion Asashoryu, left, throws Hakuho out of the ring during the Spring Grand Sumo Championship in Osaka, Japan, yesterday. PHOTO: AP

Grand champion Asashoryu threw Hakuho out of the ring yesterday to take the title back from his archrival at the Spring Grand Tournament.

In a grudge match in the tournament finale, Asashoryu got both arms around Hakuho, twisting him around and out of the straw ridge with an arm-bar throw at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Japan.

It was Asashoryu's chance to exact revenge on his opponent, who had spoiled his comeback from a two-tournament suspension on the last day of the New Year tournament two months ago in Tokyo.

Asashoryu, who secured his 22nd Emperor's Cup with 13 victories against two losses, almost got teary and rubbed his eyes with a hand towel as his hair dresser fixed his topknot before the award ceremony.

The Mongolian, however, was all smiles when he reappeared to receive his giant trophy at the awards ceremony.

"I wanted to turn the disappointment [of past defeat] into the happiness of winning here," Asashoryu said. "As grand champion, I only focused on winning the title."

Grand Champion Hakuho, also from Mongolia, ended up with a disappointing 12-3 record and his tournament winning streak stopped at three.