Yokozuna Asashoryu dominated komusubi Tamanoshima for a first-day victory at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday.
The Mongolian powerhouse pulverized his rival in day's final bout at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium to kick-start his campaign to claim his fourth consecutive Emperor's Cup at the 15-day meet.
But newly promoted sekiwake Hokutoriki got off to a demoralizing start after he was slammed to the dirt in a loss to Kotonowaka after his impressive 13-2 showing at the summer meet in May.
In Sunday's premier bout, the yokozuna had the upper hand throughout before hemming up Tamanoshima's arms and grinding him over the edge for a convincing victory.