Grand champion Asashoryu of Mongolia was handed his first loss yesterday on a day of upsets at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.
In the day's final bout at Ryogoku Kokugikan, Asashoryu was forced to the edge by Kisenosato and thrown out to fall to 5-1. Komusubi Kisenosato improved to 3-3.
With Asashoryu's loss, compatriot Ama moved into sole possession of the lead at 6-0.
Mongolian Hakuho saw his chances for promotion to grand champion take a setback when he was upset by third-ranked maegashira Aminishiki to fall to 4-2.
Hakuho had numerous chances to finish off his opponent but fell to the dirt surface attempting to dispatch Aminishiki with an arm throw.
Hakuho is gunning for promotion to grand champion and needs at least 13 wins. Another loss would likely dash any chance for promotion.
In an earlier bout, sixth-ranked maegashira Ama improved to 6-0 when he got both hands on the belt of Tamakasuga and lifted the winless No. 4 maegashira over the straw ridge.
Top maegashira Roho of Russia stayed one win back when he sidestepped Tamanoshima at the edge and swatted the No. 2 maegashira out to improve to 5-1.
Estonian Baruto brushed aside Tochiazuma to pick up his fourth win against a pair of losses.
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