At 3-1, Asashoryu
in 9-way tie for second

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Associated Press

Yokozuna Asashoryu got back on track, beating Shimotori by hikiotoshi (hand pull down) today at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.

Asashoryu, who in his previous bout had suffered his first loss since being promoted to the rank of grand champion, is tied with nine other sumotori for second place. Jumonji, Kotoryu and Chiyotaikai are tied for first place at 4-0.

After winning the Emperor's Cup in two consecutive tournaments -- in November and January -- the 22-year-old Asashoryu was promoted to sumo's top rank earlier this year.

Maegashira Takekaze pulled out of the tournament due to a right ankle injury.

Musashimaru, or Hawaii's Fiamalu Penitani, is sitting out the tournament with a torn tendon in his left wrist that has been slow to heal.

Results

OSAKA, March 12 (Kyodo) — Results of makuuchi-division bouts for Wednesday, the fourth day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium (+ indicates juryo-division wrestler):

Won		Technique	Lost
Jumonji	4-0	tsukiotoshi	Kasuganishiki	2-2
+Yotsukasa	1-3	default	Takekaze	1-3
Gojoro	3-1	hatakikomi	Kinkaiyama	2-2
Hokutoriki	3-1	oshidashi	Tochinohana	0-4
Buyuzan	2-2	tsukiotoshi	Akinoshima	0-4
Aminishiki	2-2	shitatenage	Asasekiryu	1-3
Miyabiyama	3-1	okuridashi	Tamarikido	2-2
Tokitsuumi	3-1	shitatehineri	Kasugao	0-4
Kyokushuzan	3-1	okuridashi	Takanotsuru	2-2
Tochinonada	2-2	oshidashi	Toki	1-3
Takanonami	2-2	kimedashi	Kaiho	1-3
Kyokutenho	3-1	yorikiri	Iwakiyama	2-2
Kotoryu	4-0	uwatenage	Dejima	2-2
Tosanoumi	2-2	yorikiri	Wakanoyama	1-3
Tamanoshima	3-1	oshidashi	Kotomitsuki	2-2
Kaio	3-1	tsukiotoshi	Kotonowaka	1-3
Chiyotaikai	4-0	oshidashi	Takamisakari	1-3
Wakanosato	3-1	uwatedashinage	Musoyama	0-4
Asashoryu	3-1	hikiotoshi	Shimotori	1-3

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