Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu disposed of rank-and-filer Futeno to win his second straight bout at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday.
Ozeki Kaio slaps komusubi Kokkai down onto the ground on the second day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament at Fukuoka Kokusai Center on Monday.
KYODO PHOTOIn the day's final bout, Asashoryu appeared in trouble when the No. 2 maegashira managed to back him to the ring's edge, but the yokozuna quickly recovered getting a strong belt grip on his opponent before escorting winless Futeno out of the ring.
Asashoryu is the odds-on favorite to win the Emperor's Cup after ozeki and countryman Hakuho withdrew from the 15-day meet with a broken toe.