KAKURYU ANAND STAYS ONE BEHIND HAKUHO DAVAAJATGAL ON DAY 8

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ Mongolian Hakuho Davaajargal stayed perfect at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday, says Asahi news. His compatriot Kakuryu Anand remained one loss behind, while ozeki Kisenosato suffered his third loss, ending his slim hopes of promotion. For the first time in the tournament, which is being held in Tokyo's ryogoku Kokugikan, yokozuna Hakuho appeared to almost be in trouble as No. 5 maegashira Shohozan launched into his attack. But the danger was short-lived. Shohozan tried to straighten Hakuho up with a thrust to the throat, and though it worked for an instant, Hakuho grabbed his arm and twisted it as he pulled Shohozan forward and out. Despite the momentarily bumpy start, Hakuho was smarter and faster, as usual. If he can go the distance this tournament--and so far there is no reason to think he can't--he will claim his 28th tournament championship. Kakuryu, who is shaping up to be Hakuho's most serious challenger, nailed No. 2 maegashira Ikioi with several painful slaps before nearly stepping out of the ring as his dazed but undaunted opponent chased him into retreat. It was a crucial hurdle for the ozeki, who is generally strong but not quite good enough to outshine his yokozuna compatriots. He has yet to win a title, a fact he is certainly hoping to erase from his resume. His only loss so far was to Okinoumi on the opening day. Yokozuna Harumafuji and komusubi Myogiryu are sitting the tournament out as they nurse injuries.