Ozeki Asashoryu shoved out rank-and-filer Takanowaka in the championship final of the All-Japan Rikishi tournament Monday and picked up 2.5 million yen for his first triumph in the single-day event.
The Takasago-stable grappler from Mongolia rammed out rival ozeki Kaio in the semifinals at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan while fourth-ranked maegashira Takanowaka backed out ozeki Tochiazuma. Takanowaka also defeated yokozuna Takanohana in the first round of the single- elimination competition.
Grand champion Musashimaru, who captured his 12th Emperor's Cup at the autumn meet earlier this month, took part in the ring-purification ceremony but did not compete due to a sore left wrist.