Grand champion Asashoryu defeated Kotomitsuki on Tuesday to grab a share of the lead heading into the final stretch of the 15-day meet at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo.
Yokozuna Asashoryu pulls down komusubi Kyokutenho during their bout at the New Year Grand
Sumo Tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Asashoryu's win moved him into a strong position for a record eighth straight Emperor's Cup, joining ozeki Tochiazuma and dark horse Hokutoriki in a three-way tie at 9-1 as the race for the championship heats up.