Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho and Asashoryu both got off to winning starts by beating their respective opponents on the first day of action at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday.
But with sumo thrown into a state of turmoil over a recent alleged drug scandal involving three Russian wrestlers, attention was turned to damage control with newly appointed Japan Sumo Association chairman Musashigawa first apologizing to fans and promising a strict new regimen for wrestlers.
Wakanoho was arrested on suspicion of possessing marijuana last month and expelled from sumo while brothers Roho and Hakurozan were fired from the traditional Japanese sport this month after both tested positive to marijuana use in detailed urine examinations.