March sumo tourney might be canceled

March sumo tourney might be canceled

TOKYO, Japan - Japan Sumo Association Chairman Hanaregoma speaks during a news conference in Tokyo on Feb. 4, 2011. He suggested that the JSA may cancel the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament slated for March 13-27 in Osaka due to a match-fixing scandal that has rocked the ancient sport to its core and sparked public outrage.

March sumo tourney might be canceled

March sumo tourney might be canceled

OSAKA, Japan - A poster advertising the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament slated for March 13-27 in Osaka is on display at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, the venue of the tournament, on Feb. 4, 2011. The Japan Sumo Association the same day postponed the start of ticket sales for the spring basho, while hinting that it may cancel the event due to a match-fixing scandal that has rocked the ancient sport to its core and sparked public outrage.

Sumo wrestler Ushiomaru engaged to beauty lecturer

Sumo wrestler Ushiomaru engaged to beauty lecturer

TOKYO, Japan - Sumo wrestler Ushiomaru, 28, poses with his fiancee Mami Shintani to news photographers at his stable in Tokyo on May 8 after announcing that they are engaged and wedding has been set for Sept. 29. Shintani, 27, is a lecturer at a beauty school. Ushiomaru will wrestle as a 15th-ranked maegashira at the May 13-27 Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo.

Mongolian Asashoryu promoted to sumo's 4th highest rank

Mongolian Asashoryu promoted to sumo's 4th highest rank

TOKYO, Japan - Mongolian sumo wrestler Asashoryu smiles at his stable in Tokyo's Sumida Ward on April 25. The Mongolian wrestling thoroughbred was promoted less than 12 months after winning the junior division makushita title to sumo's fourth highest rank of komusubi for the upcoming Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo. The Japan Sumo Association released the rankings for the May 13-27 tourney at Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Sumo wrestler Ushiomaru engaged to beauty lecturer

Sumo wrestler Ushiomaru engaged to beauty lecturer

TOKYO, Japan - Sumo wrestler Ushiomaru, 28, poses with his fiancee Mami Shintani to news photographers at his stable in Tokyo on May 8 after announcing that they are engaged and wedding has been set for Sept. 29. Ushiomaru will wrestle as a Shintani, 27, is a lecturer at a beauty school. Ushiomaru will wrestle as a 15th-ranked maegashira at the May 13-27 Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo. (Kyodo)

March sumo tourney might be canceled

March sumo tourney might be canceled

TOKYO, Japan - Japan Sumo Association Chairman Hanaregoma speaks during a news conference in Tokyo on Feb. 4, 2011. He suggested that the JSA may cancel the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament slated for March 13-27 in Osaka due to a match-fixing scandal that has rocked the ancient sport to its core and sparked public outrage. (Kyodo)

March sumo tourney might be canceled

March sumo tourney might be canceled

OSAKA, Japan - A poster advertising the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament slated for March 13-27 in Osaka is on display at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, the venue of the tournament, on Feb. 4, 2011. The Japan Sumo Association the same day postponed the start of ticket sales for the spring basho, while hinting that it may cancel the event due to a match-fixing scandal that has rocked the ancient sport to its core and sparked public outrage. (Kyodo)