Yokozuna Asashoryu got his campaign for a second consecutive title victory off with a bang Sunday, defeating Kyokutenho on the opening day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
All eyes fixed back on the raised ring after a wrestler was arrested and fired for possession of marijuana following the New Year meet in January, further tarnishing the already beleaguered image of the ancient sport.
The wrestlers will be out in earnest at the 15-day meet to prove their worth and dispel the ugly pall of drugs.