Asashoryu still chasing Tochi, Hokutoriki at New Year Sumo

Asashoryu still chasing Tochi, Hokutoriki at New Year Sumo

TOKYO, Japan - Grand champion Asashoryu (L) pushes Tochinohana out of the ring to stay in hot pursuit of front-running duo Tochiazuma and Hokutoriki at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on Jan. 15.

Hakuho loses bout to Tochinohana at New Year sumo

Hakuho loses bout to Tochinohana at New Year sumo

TOKYO, Japan - Sekiwake Hakuho (R) was pushed out of the ring by Tochinohana to his 6-1 mark on the seventh day of the 15-day New Year Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on Jan. 14.

Kotooshu matches Asashoryu at 3-1 at New Year sumo

Kotooshu matches Asashoryu at 3-1 at New Year sumo

TOKYO, Japan - New ozeki Kotooshu (L) matched Asashoryu at 3-1 after slapping down No. 3 maegashira Tochinohana, whose defensive tactics kept the ozeki at bay early on but eventually was caught off-balance and crumpled in the middle of the ring.

Akebono avoids upset, still on top at Nagoya sumo

Akebono avoids upset, still on top at Nagoya sumo

NAGOYA, Japan - Yokozuna Akebono (L) comes perilously close to his first defeat before recovering to blast out Tochinohana (R) in the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on July 14. Akebono maintained sole possession of the lead at 6-0.

Kaio stops Tochinohana

Kaio stops Tochinohana

TOKYO, Japan - Komusubi Kaio (R) slaps a second loss on makuuchi division newcomer Tochinohana on May 17 to remain even with grand champions Akebono and Takanohana in the chase for the Emperor's Cup at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Kotooshu matches Asashoryu at 3-1 at New Year sumo

Kotooshu matches Asashoryu at 3-1 at New Year sumo

TOKYO, Japan - New ozeki Kotooshu (L) matched Asashoryu at 3-1 after slapping down No. 3 maegashira Tochinohana, whose defensive tactics kept the ozeki at bay early on but eventually was caught off-balance and crumpled in the middle of the ring. (Kyodo)

Asashoryu still chasing Tochi, Hokutoriki at New Year Sumo

Asashoryu still chasing Tochi, Hokutoriki at New Year Sumo

TOKYO, Japan - Grand champion Asashoryu (L) pushes Tochinohana out of the ring to stay in hot pursuit of front-running duo Tochiazuma and Hokutoriki at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on Jan. 15. (Kyodo)

Hakuho loses bout to Tochinohana at New Year sumo

Hakuho loses bout to Tochinohana at New Year sumo

TOKYO, Japan - Sekiwake Hakuho (R) was pushed out of the ring by Tochinohana to his 6-1 mark on the seventh day of the 15-day New Year Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on Jan. 14. (Kyodo)

Akebono avoids upset, still on top at Nagoya sumo

Akebono avoids upset, still on top at Nagoya sumo

NAGOYA, Japan - Yokozuna Akebono (L) comes perilously close to his first defeat before recovering to blast out Tochinohana (R) in the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on July 14. Akebono maintained sole possession of the lead at 6-0.

Kaio stops Tochinohana

Kaio stops Tochinohana

TOKYO, Japan - Komusubi Kaio (R) slaps a second loss on makuuchi division newcomer Tochinohana on May 17 to remain even with grand champions Akebono and Takanohana in the chase for the Emperor's Cup at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan.