Asashoryu came back from an opening-day defeat to win 14 straight bouts and claimed his first title in three tournaments after taking a back seat to countryman Hakuho.

In the finale, Asashoryu moved in for a right-handed belt grip and muscled his rival over the edge in a matter of seconds at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium.

"I haven't been in the best condition health-wise but I knew I had to give it my all to win the title," Asashoryu said.

The Japan Times Weekly: July 28, 2007
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