Asashoryu beats Hakuho in playoff to win 24th sumo title

Sunday 27th September, 06:41 PM JST

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davidattokyo at 10:46 AM JST - 28th September

Baruto will be the next Yokozuna.
chinpira at 11:20 AM JST - 28th September

Yes! Great job! He is a true champ. The "bad boy" wins again. Of course, the crusty old commentators had to voice their disapproval at Asashoryu's victory cheer (both arms raised in the air)... oh the horror.
bgaudry at 11:41 AM JST - 28th September

Dear Japanese, we now own sumo too. Enjoy your eating world champion while he lasts, as that's our next target.
magpie at 02:30 PM JST - 28th September

The play off was amazing and Asa was at his best! Sumo cannot possible survive without a man of Asa's charisma and chracter. The future of sumo cannot possibly grow within the confines of what many in Japan would hope for. Sumo needs someone of Asa's character to personalize the sport and attaract people. Having a top level of Japanese yokozuna's means nothing if they are dour characters like the ones we have now. What a joke to criticize Asa for his victory cheer. If anything it shows how much this sport and victory means to him, that is something that I applaud and praise...not criticize!

With the challnge between Asa and Hakuho (another worthy Yokozuna), the sport is truly one worth watching. You have to praise hakuho for his steely determination and they truly bring out the best between them! Long maythis rivalry continue!
rokudenashi at 02:48 PM JST - 28th September

"24 win, that places him in second place all-time behind Taiho, the half-Russian, half Japanese sumo yokozuna of the 60's who had 31. I forget how many Chiyonofuji and later Takanohana got, but I believe Asashoryu is in 2nd. Its an incredible accomplishment."

Read much? As the article says, 24 wins equals Kitanoumi for 3rd place all time. Taiho had 32 and Chiyonofuji 31.

Asa definitely belongs in the top echelon. He does not seem to have had many worthy challengers until recently so it will be interesting to see if he can match or beat the top 2.
JustAGoodOlBoy at 03:18 PM JST - 28th September

Asa went to the well for that one. Kotooshu, he's a one cup Ozeki.
jason6 at 04:10 PM JST - 28th September

Aw man, i missed the 2nd match..!! 1st one was quick, hard and decisive by Hakuho. Asashoryu looked totally shocked!
Sarge at 04:16 PM JST - 28th September

"Baruto will be the next yokozuna"

He has to make ozeki first.

jason6 - How the heck did you miss the playoff match?
Asashoryuu at 04:29 AM JST - 29th September

Baruto got some potential.

I would say Baruto will make Yokuzuna but Kotoshuu not sure,
Asashoryuu at 06:19 AM JST - 29th September

Monday.

JSA have devided opinion regarding ASA feast rising

JSA member Makito Utidate not happy at all...

But other members have supported ASA emotional behaviour.

ASA ASA ASA we love U
BurakuminDes at 09:22 AM JST - 29th September

If Asa gets punished for showing emotion upon winning, I for one will never watch sumo again. Those old zeros in the JSA would have no idea how much it took for Asa to win that playoff - and it was natural he showed emotion and raised his arms. I'm sure some of those old guys are absolutely furious that they will only see foreigners as Yokozuna in the rest of their lifetimes! GO ASASHORYU!
stealth_one at 01:02 AM JST - 30th September

Im tired of that old woman getting face time for complaining about Asa.If it weren't for him,sumo would be dead and buried,beyond the old brigade. I would give her an ear if she were the sumo head, but it is so wrong that I gotta look at that mug moaning on and on and she cant even go on the dohryo.
BurakuminDes at 01:07 AM JST - 30th September

I agree, stealth one. That decrepit woman is a zero. Not even allowed on the dohryo, silly old fool. Back to the retirement home old dear.

ASA to win next Tournament in Kyushu!
Asashoryuu at 08:47 AM JST - 30th September

ASA got BadBoy reputation but most Odeon’s love him so much.

As We do…………..aSaaaaaa………..

ASA to win next Tournament in Kyushu!
nightvision at 11:23 AM JST - 1st October

I hope that sumo will someday be more global than mixed martial arts. ha ha.