Hakuho Is Spring Sumo Champion

and the tournament isn't even over yet.


from International Herald Tribune:

OSAKA, Japan: Mongolian grand champion Hakuho won the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday before he even stepped into the ring.

Japan Today:

Undefeated grand champion Hakuho won his 10th career title without ever having to lift a pinky on the 14th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday.

Daily Yomiuri:

Kotooshu's victory over yokozuna Asashoryu (11-3) in the day's penultimate bout gave Hakuho (14-0) a two-win cushion over his closest rival with only one day to play at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium.

The picture is of Hakuho from Wikipedia's entry.

update: 3/30/2009:
Taiwan News:

Mongolian Hakuho overpowered compatriot and fellow grand champion Asashoryu on Sunday to finish the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament with a perfect 15-0 record.

Daily Yomiuri:

The result was never in doubt after Hakuho secured a left-hand grip on the front of Asashoryu's belt. Asashoryu (11-4) bowed to the inevitable, and cut a subdued figure as he stepped out to his fourth loss in six days.