Yokozuna Asashoryu continued his charge toward a third straight Emperor's Cup by gunning down Kotonowaka on Monday to maintain his share of the lead heading into the final stretch of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo.
![News photo](/images/photos2004/ss20040518a1a.jpg)
With Friday's shock defeat firmly behind him, the Mongolian brawler improved to 8-1 with a masterful display in the day's finale at Ryogoku Kokugikan, quickly working the No. 5 maegashira to the edge of the ring before thrusting him over the straw ridge. Kotonowaka slipped to 4-5.