Friday, March 17, 2006

OSAKA (AP) Mongolian Ama upset Bulgarian Kotooshu at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday while grand champion Asashoryu defeated Tamanoshima to remain tied for the lead at 5-0.

Komusubi Roho forces ozeki Kaio to the edge to win on Thursday in the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Municipal Gymnasium.

In the day's biggest upset, No. 2 maegashira Ama stepped to his side after the faceoff and swatted ozeki Kotooshu down to give both wrestlers a 3-2 record.

Kotooshu, who towers over the diminutive Mongolian, has struggled thus far and appears to be hampered by an injured right knee.

Mongolian Asashoryu was all business when he grabbed hold of Tamanoshima's belt after the faceoff and used a left arm throw to send the top maegashira sprawling to the dirt surface. Tamanoshima stands at 1-4.

Ozeki Tochiazuma, who is gunning for promotion to grand champion, faced little resistance in a bout with top maegashira Kokkai.

Tochiazuma came in low at the faceoff and quickly shoved out Kokkai to pick up his fourth win against one loss. Kokkai fell to 1-4.

Tochiazuma won the New Year tourney and would need at least 12 wins this time out to be considered for promotion to the sport's highest rank.

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