Ozeki Hakuho showed his caliber as a future sumo great with a win over yokozuna Asashoryu in a convincing style Sunday but failed to convince sumo officials in his promotion chase on the final day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.
Ozeki Hakuho forces down yokozuna Asashoryu to improve his record to 13-2 on Sunday on the final
day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium.
KYODO PHOTOS
Hakuho (13-2) toppled previously unbeaten Asashoryu (14-1) at the edge of the dohyo after an enthralling belt-grip battle in the finale of the 15-day meet at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, 24 hours after the grand champion clinched his 17th career Emperor's Cup.
After their bout, Japan Sumo Association officials made clear that Hakuho will have to wrestle in at least one more tournament as an ozeki before being considered for promotion to the highest rank in the sport.