Sumo

By Associated Press

Tuesday, January 21, 1997

Akebono, Musashimaru
still tied for lead at 10-0

TOKYO - Hawaii's Akebono, seeking his ninth tournament victory, pushed out Takatoriki and kept his three-way tie for the lead with Musashimaru and Wakanohana last night on the 10th day of the 15-day New Year Grand Sumo tournament.

The three are tied with 10-0 records. Akebono's fellow yokozuna (grand champion) Takanohana stayed two victories behind at 8-2.

Akebono. or Chad Rowan, was forced to the ring's edge by Takatoriki but fought off the attack and pushed him out.

Musashimaru, or Hawaii's Fiamalu Penitani, sent out Kyokushuzan from behind after fighting off his foe's leg trick and arm throw attempt.

Wakanohana grabbed Kaio's belt and drove him out.

Takanohana crushed out Asanowaka (3-7).

Konishiki, or Hawaii's Salevaa Atisanoe, grabbed Ganyu's belt tightly and shoved him out for his sixth victory against four defeats.

Yamato, or Hawaii's George Kalima, suffered his sixth defeat against four victories as he was forced out by Tokitsunada in the 26-member juryo division, just below the senior division of makuuchi.