Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu chalked up another hard-earned win Monday by taking down Aminishiki to stay on course for his second consecutive Emperor's Cup at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
Asashoryu, who won the New Year meet in January with an unblemished 15-0 record, extended his unbeaten run to 24 matches and remained tied for the lead with nine wins but was fortunate not to get his scorecard blotted in the day's finale at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium.
Asashoryu shrugged off a charge and worked fourth-ranked maegashira Aminishiki (2-7) toward the ring's edge but only just managed to stay on his feet longer than his opponent as he tipped him over with an underarm throw.
The fiery 23-year-old looks capable of repeating his achievement at the New Year meet, although ozeki Chiyotaikai and Kaio continued to keep up the pressure by staying tied at the top along with Mongolian Asasekiryu after impressive wins.