Sumo

By Associated Press

Saturday, January 25, 1997

Wakanohana wins title
by beating Akebono

TOKYO - Ozeki Wakanohana beat yokozuna Akebono, or Chad Rowan of Hawaii, Saturday to win the 15-day New Year Grand Sumo tournament, one day before it ended.

Wakanohana tightly grabbed Akebono's mawashi belt, then slammed him to the ground with a powerful overarm throw. It was the third tournament victory for Wakanohana, who is now 14-0.

Akebono now is 12-2 and tied with yokozuna Takanohana, Wakanohana's younger brother. Takanohana toppled ozeki Musashimaru, or Fiamalu Penitani of Hawaii, who suffered his third defeat against 11 wins.

No. 13 maegashira Konishiki, or Salevaa Atisanoe of Hawaii, ended up on his stomach with No. 7 maegashira Asanosho (7-7) pulling him by the arm. Konishiki, the heaviest wrestler in the sport at 274 kilograms (603 pounds), is 8-6.

No. 14 maegashira Yamato, or George Kalima of Hawaii, charged with hand thrusts at No. 8 maegashira Mitoizumi's neck and shoved him out of the ring. Yamato is 7-7, and Mitoizumi 6-8.