Lone yokozuna Asashoryu, who won five Emperor's Cup titles in 2004, will occupy the prestigious east slot as the Japan Sumo Association released the rankings on Thursday for the upcoming New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
The fiery Mongolian grand champion will again be the odds-on favorite as he aims for his 10th career title when the 15-day meet kicks off at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Jan. 9.
Asashoryu went 13-2 to win the Kyushu meet in November but was stymied by ozeki Kaio, who went 12-3 while defeating the yokozuna on the final day of the meet at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.