Grand champion Asashoryu easily dispatched Mongolian compatriot Kyokutenho on Friday to remain undefeated and tied for the lead at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament.
Ozeki Chiyotaikai pushes out No. 2 maegashira Tochinonada on
Friday at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Asashoryu quickly got a hold of Kyokutenho's belt in the day's final bout at Ryogoku Kokugikan and threw the No. 3 maegashira over the edge to improve to 6-0. Kyokutenho dropped to 2-3.
Asashoryu, who is gunning for a fourth straight Emperor's Cup and 12th overall, is tied for the lead with rank-and-filer Tamakasuga.
Ozeki Chiyotaikai bounced back from Thursday's loss when he used his patented arm thrusts to send Tochinonada into the first row of seats.
Chiyotaikai, who needs a winning record here to maintain his ozeki status, improved to 5-1 while No. 2 maegashira Tochinonada dropped to 1-5.
Ozeki Tochiazuma was handed another loss when he was swatted down by komusubi Kotomitsuki shortly after the faceoff. Both wrestlers stand at 4-2.
Ozeki Kaio was forced to pull out of Friday's match against No. 2 maegashira Kokkai with a sore back.
Kaio defeated Tochinonada on Thursday but was slow to leave the ring and appeared to favor his lower left back. Kokkai improved to 4-2.
Komusubi Wakanosato swatted down struggling sekiwake Hakuho to improve to 4-2. Hakuho lost his fourth straight bout and is now 2-4.