Feisty Mongolian Asashoryu gets a chance to line himself up for a move up to sumo's second highest rank after earning the top sekiwake position for the upcoming Summer Grand Sumo Tournament.
The Japan Sumo Association (JSA) gave the Mongolian his highest-ever ranking Wednesday for the May 12-26 tournament after an impressive 11-4 performance last time out and a repeat performance at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan would set him up for a move to ozeki.
Grand champion Musashimaru cruised to his 10th career victory in the last basho, securing the title on the penultimate day. He retains the prestigious East position at the summit of the sumo hierarchy.