Musashimaru shares
6-0 lead with Kotonishiki

FUKUOKA, Japan - Hawaiian-born ozeki (champion) Musashimaru kept his perfect record to share a 6-0 lead with lower-ranked Kotonishiki on Friday in the 15-day Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.

One victory behind at 5-1 were Yokozuna Wakanohana, komusubi (junior champion second class) Musoyama, No. 1 maegashira (senior wrestler) Kaio, No. 4 maegashira Tamakasuga and No. 9 maegashira Tosanoumi.

Yokozuna Takanohana was another victory back at 4-2.

In Friday's match, Musashimaru grabbed Kaio from both sides, then swiveled him out of the ring with hand thrusts.

Kotonishiki, who is a 12th-ranked maegashira, quickly stepped forward and bulldozed No. 15 maegashira Asanowaka (2-4) out of the ring.

Wakanohana slammed down winless No. 6 maegashira Tochinowaka, who ended up on his belly.

Takanohana, seeking his 21st tournament title and third in a row, was thrustsed to the ringside, where he suddenly twisted No. 3 maegashira Ganyu's arm and sent him out. Ganyu is 1-5.

Musoyama drove out sekiwake (junior champion) Chiyotaikai, who slipped to 4-2.

Tamakasuga, despite a bleeding nose resulting from a slap, threw down No. 6 maegashira Tochinonada (3-3). Tosanoumi pushed down No. 6 maegashira Wakanosato (3-3).

No. 12 maegashira Kyokushuzan, or Mongolian Batbayar Davaa, was shoved out by No. 8 maegashira Oginishiki (4-2) for his fourth defeat against two victories.

In the 26-member juryo division, just below the senior makuuchi division, No. 2-ranked Kyokutenho, or Mongolian Tsevegnyam Nyamjav, drove out No. 4-ranked Daishoho, leaving both 3-3.

No. 10-ranked Hoshitango, or Argentine Imach Marcelo Salomon, was forced out by No.7-ranked Daishi. Both are 3-3.

In makushita, the top junior division, No. 5-ranked Hoshiandesu, or Argentine Jose Antonio Juarez, was pushed out by No. 4-ranked Daikiyama, slipping to 1-2. No. 8-ranked Kaishinzan, or American Henry Armstrong Miller, threw down No. 7-ranked Towanoyama for a perfect 3-0 record.

No. 11-ranked Wakaazuma, or Yoshinobu Kuroda from Brazil, shoved out No. 13-ranked Yutakafuji for 2-1. No. 56-ranked Kyokutenzan (1-2), or Mongolian Enkhbat Batmunkha, was forced out by No. 59-ranked Chiyononada.

In sandanme, the second-highest junior division, No. 47-ranked Azumakaze, or Brazilian Tussato Guiuliano Kotinda, was driven out by No. 49-ranked Fujitora.

Wrestlers in junior divisions have only seven bouts during the tournament.

Results in Scoreboard

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