Monday, Nov. 20, 2006

FUKUOKA (AP) Yokozuna Asashoryu brushed aside Kisenosato on Sunday to stay tied for the lead with a resurgent Kaio at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.

Sekiwake Kotomitsuki takes his first loss of the basho as No. 1 maegashira Ama drives him out of the ring on the eighth day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament at Fukuoka Kokusai Center on Sunday. KYODO PHOTO

In the day's final bout at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, Asashoryu dodged to his side at the faceoff and swatted the komusubi wrestler down to remain unbeaten at 8-0. Kisenosato dropped to 4-4.

In other major bouts, Fukuoka-native Kaio continued his impressive run when he recovered from a poor faceoff and used an arm throw to send third-ranked maegashira Dejima off the ring and stay tied for the lead.

Kaio was shoved back at the faceoff and looked set for his first loss of the tourney, but recovered nicely to improve to 8-0 and wrap up the winning record he needs to maintain his ozeki status.

Dejima was handed his third loss against eight wins.

Komusubi Roho took advantage of a poor faceoff by Kotooshu and shoved the ozeki out to pick up his fourth win. Kotooshu saw his record fall to 5-3.

Ozeki Tochiazuma swatted down Miyabiyama to improve to 7-1.

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