Under-fire Mongolian yokozuna Asashoryu delivered another satisfying riposte to his detractors with victory over Kotoshogiku at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday.
Asashoryu surrendered belt control in the day's headline bout at Ryogoku Kokugikan but held his nerve to wrap up the top-ranked maegashira (0-2) and twist him to the ground.
Win No. 2 provided Asashoryu with another welcome psychological boost as he aims to revive his fortunes and silence talk of early retirement following a testing six months.