Sumo

By Associated Press

Thursday, January 23, 1997

Wakanohana
retains lead at 12-0

TOKYO - Wakanohana held onto his solo lead with a 12-0 record, and Akebono and Musashimaru, both from Hawaii, remained one victory behind him today, the 12th day of the 15-day New Year Grand Sumo tournament.

Yokozuna Akebono, or Chad Rowan, charged ozeki Takanonami with hand thrusts and pushed him out. Akebono is 11-1 and Takanonami is 5-7.

Ozeki Musashimaru, or Fiamalu Penitani, who won the last tournament two months ago, forced out No. 2 maegashira Tamakasuga after fighting off his foe's driving attempt at the ring's edge. Musashimaru is 11-1 and Tamakasuga is 3-9.

No. 13 maegashira Konishiki, or Salevaa Atisanoe from Hawaii, grabbed equally-ranked Rikio's belt tightly and bulldozed him out for his eighth victory against four defeats. Rikio is 7-5.

No. 14 maegashira Yamato, or George Kalima from Hawaii, charged No. 9 maegashira Minatofuji with hand thrusts and forced him out for his fifth victory against seven defeats. Minatofuji is 4-8.