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Fukuoka, Japan. Mongolian grand champion Hakuho wrapped up his 12th Emperor’s Cup victory on Sunday by beating countryman and fellow yokozuna Asashoryu at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.

Hakuho, whose given name is Monkhbatyn Davaajargal, had already guaranteed himself the title by defeating Kotomitsuki on Saturday at Fukuoka Kokusai Center. He was pushed back at the initial faceoff but eventually got a grip on Kotomitsuki’s belt before lifting the ozeki out over the straw ridge to improve to 14-0.

He also won the spring tournament in March and the Nagoya tournament in July. Sunday’s victory gave Hakuho a record 86 wins in a single year, further eclipsing the 84 Asashoryu recorded in 2005.

Asashoryu fell out of contention in the previous bout, losing to Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu to fall to 11-3. Kotooshu finished the tournament at 10-5 after falling to Harumafuji on the last day.

Asashoryu was bidding for his 25th title, but successive losses to Harumafuji, Kotomitsuki and Kotooshu dashed his hopes for another championship.

In other final day results, Kaio beat Kotomitsuki as both men finished 8-7, Estonian sekiwake Baruto improved to 9-6 after beating Toyonoshima (11-4), maegashira Tochinoshin slipped to 12-3 after a loss to Hokutoriki, and Kotoshogiku picked up his 10th win against five losses after beating Kyokutenho.

All six major tournaments in 2009 were won by Mongolians. Asashoryu won the New Year tournament in January and autumn tournament in September. Harumafuji took the title at the summer tournament in May.

AP, AFP