Takanohana defeats
Musashimaru

TOKYO -- Yokozuna Takanohana slammed Hawaiian-born ozeki Musashimaru down to the dirt in the final bout today to win the first-day title of the two-day single-elimination sumo tournament.

Takanohana, showing signs of regaining his form after struggling at last month's New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, had also claimed a convincing win over new year winner and newly-promoted ozeki Chiyotaikai on his way to the title at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Yokozuna Wakanohana, who lost the Emperor's Cup to Chiyotaikai in a playoff at the new year tourney, was eliminated by Musashimaru, or Fiamalu Penitani, in the quarterfinals.

Yokozuna Akebono, or Chad Rowan from Hawaii, skipped the ongoing event after sitting out back-to-back grand sumo tournaments in November and January due to a career-threatening herniated disc.

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