Tuesday, July 10, 2001

DAY 2

NAGOYA (Kyodo) Yokozuna Musashimaru continued to steer clear of danger as the firm favorite brushed aside rank-and-filer Hayateumi on Monday to remain perfect in the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.

Ozeki Miyabiyama tumbled to his second straight loss of the 15-day meet, falling to komusubi Wakanosato, but all the other top wrestlers scored victories at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium.

Hayateumi (1-1) tried hard to keep the grand champion away from his belt but the Samoan-born powerhouse maintained his composure and eased the top-ranked maegashira out to record the comfortable win.

Wakanosato (2-0), buoyed by Sunday's win over Musoyama, kept his momentum going and claimed his second ozeki scalp after he powered the Musashigawa-stable wrestler out of the raised ring.

Dejima (2-0) looks to be back in ozeki form as he jumped all over komusubi Asashoryu (0-2) at the charge and then used some quick footwork to send the Mongolian packing.

Dejima posted a shocking 5-10 record at the summer meet in May and needs to notch at least eight wins to avoid demotion.

Chiyotaikai (1-1) recovered from his opening-day upset to notch his first win after shoving out No. 2 maegashira Kotonowaka (0-2), while ozeki Musoyama (1-1) found the win column by seeing off veteran No. 1 maegashira Takanonami (0-2) in a matter of seconds.

Kaio (2-0), another ozeki needing to post a winning record in Nagoya to avoid demotion, beat No. 2 maegashira Higonoumi (1-1) by working the Mihogaseki-stable grappler to the bales and then lifting him out.

Sekiwake Kotomitsuki (1-1), who looked to have hurt his back during Sunday's loss to Higonoumi, showed no signs of pain as he grabbed the belt of Tochinonada (1-1) from the charge and quickly muscled the No. 3 maegashira out of the ring.

In lower-ranked fights, Mongolian Kyokutenho (1-1) grabbed his first win after working over Wakatsutomu (1-1).

Compatriot Kyokushuzan (1-1) also notched his first victory after pulling down Chiyotenzan (0-2).

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