Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu bounced back after missing out on a fifth straight Emperor's Cup when he claimed victory at the All-Japan championship at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Monday.

Asashoryu, who finished last month's Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament with a disappointing 9-6 record, took out fellow Mongolian and stablemate Asasekiryu in the semifinals and then easily blasted out autumn winner Kaio in the final.

It was Asashoryu's first win in the tournament since 2002 and earned him a check for 2.5 million yen.

Injury-prone ozeki Tochiazuma, who pulled out of the autumn basho with a knee problem, did not take part in the tournament featuring 32 wrestlers from sumo's elite makuuchi division.