Akebono hands Wakanohana
first loss of tournament

OSAKA, Japan (AP) - Yokozuna (grand champion) Akebono kept his hopes for the tournament title alive by defeating tournament leader Wakanohana on Friday with just two days remaining in the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.

Hawaii-born Akebono, also known as Chad Rowan, easily drove the previously undefeated ozeki (champion) Wakanohana to the ring's edge and shoving him out.

Akebono improved to 11-2, just one win behind the 12-1 Wakanohana, who would have clinched the 15-day tournament title with a win.

With only two matches left, Akebono and Wakanohana are the only wrestlers in contention for the Emperor's Cup. On Saturday, Akebono meets Takanonami (8-5) while Wakanohana faces giant Hawaiian-born ozeki wrestler Musashimaru (8-5).

No. 7 maegashira (senior wrestler) Aogiyama, the only other wrestler in the running for the title before the start of Friday's matches, was pushed out by Mitoizumi (8-5). Aogiyama dropped to 9-4.

In other bouts Friday, Musashimaru, or Fiamalu Penitani, dropped to 8-5 after being pulled down by No. 6 maegashira (senior wrestler) Tosanoumi (8-5).

Ozeki Takanonami lifted out No. 7 maegashira Kyokushuzan, or Mongolian Batbayar Davaa. Kyokushuzan dropped to 4-9 and because of his losing record, he may face demotion before the next tournament in May.

No. 14 maegashira Higonoumi improved to 9-4 by shoving out No. 11 maegashira Asanosho (6-7).

No. 12 maegashira Kyokutenho, or Mongolian Tsevegnyam Nyamjav, was forced out by No. 4 maegashira Takatoriki (5-8) for his ninth defeat against four victories. Kyokutenho also may face demotion.

In makushita, the top junior division, No. 9-ranked Hoshitango, or Argentine Imach Marcelo Salomon, lost to Wakakosho for his third defeat against four victories.

In the third-ranked division No. 12 maegashira Kyokutenzan (4-3) defeated Yoshiazuma.

Wrestlers in junior divisions have only seven bouts during the 15-day tournament.

Results of Main Sumo Bouts

OSAKA, Japan (AP) - Results of main bouts Friday, 13th day of the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium:

Asanowaka (7-6) over Hamanoshima (7-6)
Higonoumi (9-4) over Asanosho (6-7)
Tamakasuga (7-6) over Gojoro (7-6)
Asahiyutaka (8-5) over Minatofuji (8-5)
Oginishiki (8-5) over Akinoshu (6-7)
Kotoinazuma (5-8) over Terao (4-9)
Mitoizumi (8-5) over Aogiyama (9-4)
Kitakachidoki (7-6) overWakanojo (4-9)
Mainoumi (5-8) over Kotoryu (3-10)
Takatoriki (5-8) over Kyokutenho (4-9)
Tochinonada (7-6) over Shikishima (2-11)
Chiyotaikai (7-6) over Akinoshima (7-6)
Kotonowaka (7-6) over Kaio (7-6)
Kotonishiki (6-7) over Ganyu (3-10)
Tochinowaka (5-8) over Musoyama (8-5)
Takanonami (8-5) over Kyokushuzan (4-9)
Tosanoumi (8-5) over Musashimaru (8-5)
Akebono (11-2) over Wakanohana (12-1)

Junior Divisions

Makushita

Wakakosho over Hoshitango (4-3)

Sandanme

Kyokutenzan (4-3) over Yoshiazuma

(Junior division wrestlers have only seven bouts during the tournament. Records of foreign wrestlers' opponents were not available.)

Saturday's bouts

Akinoshu vs Kaiho
Higonoumi vs Wakanosato
Mitoizumi vs Hamanoshima
Kotoinazuma vs Asanowaka
Mainoumi vs Tamakasuga
Terao vs Asanosho
Gojoro vs Aginishiki
Kyokushuzan vs Kitakachidoki
Asahiyutaka vs Wakanojo
Kyokutenho vs Tochinowaka
Tochinonada vs Kotonowaka
Minatofuji vs Akinoshima
Chiyotaikai vs Aogiyama
Kotoryu vs Shikishima
Kotonishiki vs Takatori
Ganyu vs vs Kaio
Tosanoumi vs Musoyama
Musashimaru vs Wakanohana
Akebono vs Takanonami