Unbeaten Mongolian yokozuna Asashoryu gave compatriot Ama a good hiding to maintain his slender advantage over archrival Hakuho heading into the home stretch at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday.
Asashoryu was in total control in the day's penultimate bout at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, soaking up Ama's (4-5) attack and sending the sekiwake flying with a pair of meaty shoves to stay on course for his 22nd Emperor's Cup.
Victory kept Asashoryu one win clear of fellow yokozuna Hakuho, who beat Kotoshogiku (4-5) to remain in a share of second place with lower-ranked wrestlers Takamisakari, Homasho, and Tochiozan.