Grand champion Asashoryu of Mongolia defeated compatriot Hakuho in an extra title-deciding bout yesterday to win his 23rd Emperor’s Cup at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
Overcoming injuries, calls for his retirement and a death threat on the first day of the 15-day meet, Asashoryu won the title after being forced to an extra bout when he and Hakuho both finished the tournament with 14-1 records.
They finished tied after Hakuho beat Asashoryu in the final scheduled bout of the tournament.
That forced a one-off decider between the two Mongolians, when Asashoryu got hold of Hakuho’s belt and lifted his fellow grand champion out of the ring.
Asashoryu missed all or part of the last three tournaments because of injuries, leading to calls for his retirement.
But the 28-year-old quickly silenced his critics, getting off to a strong start in the New Year tourney, going undefeated until that penultimate bout against Hakuho.
Asashoryu received a death threat on the opening day of the tournament.
Tokyo police later arrested a 29-year-old man who posted “Coming to Ryogoku to kill Asashoryu,” on a popular Japanese Internet forum.
“I’m back,” a tearful Asashoryu said after receiving the Emperor’s Cup from Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso. “I knew there was no tomorrow in the final and did everything I could to win.”
Hakuho, who won the previous three tournaments in Asashoryu’s absence, had been gunning for his ninth Emperor’s Cup.
In other major bouts, Estonian sekiwake Baruto finished with a win when he grabbed hold of Harumafuji’s leg and lifted the ozeki out to 9-7. Mongolian Harumafuji, who was making his debut at sumo’s second-highest rank, finished with an 8-7 record.
Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu took a grip on Kaio’s belt and lifted the ozeki out to finish at 10-5. Kaio, who needed a winning record to keep his ozeki status, did so by finishing 8-7.
Ozeki Chiyotaikai used a rapid-fire barrage of arm thrusts to overpower Goeido and finish with a winning record of 8-7. Goeido, a No. 3 maegashira, posted a solid 10-5 record.
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