Grand champion Asashoryu of Mongolia heads into the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament as the odds-on favorite, but rising star Hakuho will be the one to watch when the 15-day meet begins Sunday at Osaka Municipal Gymnasium.

News photoSekiwake Hakuho will be looking to steer the spotlight away from grand champion Asashoryu at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament beginning Sunday at Osaka Municipal Gymnasium.

Hakuho was promoted to sumo's third highest rank of sekiwake for the spring tourney. His meteoric rise to the upper ranks of sumo is all the more impressive given that he celebrates his 20th birthday on March 11.