Hakuho and Asanoyama continue with their dominant performances

Yokozuna Hakuho and new ozeki Asanoyama earned their seventh straight wins at the July Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday and remain in a three-way tie for the lead after one week of action.

In the final bout of Day 7 at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, Hakuho delivered a left-handed slap and right-shoulder charge to No. 3 maegashira Kiribayama (2-5) before latching onto the top-division rookie's belt and hurling him off the dohyo.

Earlier, Asanoyama easily dispatched No. 3 Takarafuji (2-5) to remain undefeated in his ozeki debut. Asanoyama blocked Takarafuji's first shove, then dropped low and steadily drove the maegashira out.

The other overnight co-leader, Mitakeumi (7-0), benefited from the sudden withdrawal of his Day 7 opponent, No. 5 Abi (3-4), who was pulled from the meet by his Shikoroyama stablemaster as a precaution after dining out with guests in Tokyo on Friday night.

Source: www.japantimes.co.jp