OSAKA -- Yokozuna Takanohana muscled out up-and-coming Mongolian maegashira Asashoryu on Sunday and pocketed the first prize of 3 million yen on the final day of a single-elimination sumo tournament.
Takanohana, who tumbled to defeat at the hands of spring tourney champion ozeki Kaio in Saturday's final 24 hours earlier, defeated sekiwake Tochinonada and ozeki Dejima on his way to the final of the second-day bracket at Osaka-Jo Hall.
When asked if it had been tough with the Mongolian in the final, which left the 21-time Emperors Cup winner with a bloodied mouth, Takanohana replied: "Tough battle? It certainly was."