Asashio Shoves to Lead In Sumo Contests
FUKUOKA, Japan (UPI) - Strong 28-year-old Ozeki Asashio
took the lead Tuesday in the official sumo championships here by scoring
his ninth victory against one defeat on the 10th day of the 15-day tournament.
Asashio was the aggressor all the way and threw
second-ranking maegashira Dewanishiki. It was Dewanishiki who four days
ago fought to a draw with yokozuna Wakanohana after the two had exhausted
themselves from an unprecedented 14 minutes and 30 seconds of wrestling.
Wakanohana, shooting for his third straight tournament
title, kept right on Asashio's heels by easily defeating Shinobuyama of
sekiwake rank in the day's final bout. Wakanohana now has a record of eight
victories, one defeat and one draw.