Tochiazuma bounced back to hand promotion-chasing Mongolian sekiwake Hakuho his first loss and throw yokozuna Asashoryu a championship lifeline at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday.
Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu (left) and No. 3 maegashira Aminishiki go flying into the front row of cushions on the 12th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Municipal Gymnasium.
Hakuho's defeat gave Asashoryu (11-1) the chance to reclaim a share of the lead and the bully from Ulan Bator took full advantage by spanking relegation-haunted ozeki Kaio in the day's final bout at Osaka Municipal Gymnasium.
Tochiazuma, whose fading hopes of promotion to yokozuna evaporated after Wednesday's defeat to Kaio, soaked up a barrage of slaps and thrusts from the Mongolian but held steady to bounce him out of the ring for a ninth win.