Akebono loses, tied for
lead with two others

OSAKA, Japan -- Lower-ranked Kaio threw down Akebono today to create a three-way tie for the lead of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.

With six days left in the tournament, Kaio, Akebono, or Chad Rowan from Hawaii, and Musashimaru, or Hawaii's Fiamalu Penitani, share the top spot at 8-1.

Musashimaru became a co-leader when he sent out komusubi Kyokushuzan (1-8) with hand thrusts.

Yamato, or Hawaii's George Kalima, charged Aogiyama (6-3) with hand thrusts and forced him out for his fifth victory against four defeats.

Konishiki, or Salevaa Atisanoe from Hawaii, drove Gojoro (4-5) to the ring's edge in his initial charge, but Gojoro pulled him down.

Konishiki, is now 2-5 with two absences. He missed the first two days because of flu.