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Asashoryu perfect
after 9 matches

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From staff and wire reports

TOKYO >> Yokozuna Asashoryu tricked Iwakiyama into a okuritaoshi (rear push down) for a perfect 9-0 record today, protecting his lead over his closest contenders on the ninth day of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.

Seeking his second career title, the 22-year-old Mongolian grand champion has two more wins than Tochiazuma, Chiyotaikai and Kotomitsuki.

Tochiazuma and Chiyotaikai kept pace by taking care of Kotoryu and Wakanosato. Tochiazuma will meet Wakanosato tomorrow, while Chiyotaikai tests Takanonami.

Tomorrow's biggest showdown will feature Asashoryu and Kotomitsuki. Asashoryu has had trouble with the 27-year old sekiwake, losing six times in nine meetings and five of the last six.

Day 9

Takanowaka (Juryo, 8-1) def. Wakanoyama (4-5)
Tamarikido (5-4) def. Yotsukasa (6-3)
Shimotori (4-5) def. Kakizoe (6-3)
Ushiomaru (3-6) def. Kaiho (3-6)
Otsukasa (4-5) def. Dejima (3-6)
Asanowaka (3-6) def. Kinkaiyama (5-4)
Kyokushuzan (4-5) def. Wakatoba (5-4)
Jumonji (4-5) def. Tochisakae (1-8)
Kotomitsuki (7-2) def. Tamanoshima (6-3)
Aminishiki (6-3) def. Kasuganishiki (3-6)
Tokitsuumi (3-6) def. Buyuzan (3-6)
Hokutoriki (3-6) def. Takanonami (3-6)
Asasekiryu (4-5) def. Tochinonada (4-5)
Takamisakari (6-3) def. Miyabiyama (3-6)
Kyokutenho (6-3) def. Kaio (6-3)
Tochiazuma (7-2) def. Kotoryu (3-6)
Chiyotaikai (7-2) def. Wakanosato (5-4)
Asashoryu (9-0) def. Iwakiyama (5-4)

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