Sumo King Waka Falls On Birthday
OSAKA, Japan (UPI) - It was an unlucky 31st birthday
Monday for yokozuna (grand champion) Wakanohana, who suffered his first
defeat on the ninth day of the current 15-day sumo tournament here.
Top Referee Shonosuke Kimura ruled in favor of Wakanohana
in the day's final bout as the Yokozuna and first ranking Maegashira Kitanonada
appeared to have fallen together on the sand. But a judge protested, claiming
that Kitanonada'a arm throw bore fruit and it was Wakanohana who was first
to fall.
The five judges deliberated and reversed the referee's
decision in favor of Kitanonada for a major upset.