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TOKYO - Even in a sport where typical bouts last no more than 10 seconds and start with a bone-crunching clash of flab and foreheads, there was a special intensity to this week's big sumo match in Osaka.
Defending champion Asashoryu, who has climbed to the top of the sport despite being criticised for lacking manners, modesty and being foreign, is now dogged by the most foul accusation of all: he fixes matches.
The charges, first aired in a weekly scandal rag, have followed the Mongolian-born, 150kg powerhouse into the Osaka Gymnasium like a cloud of bluebottles and, some say, affected his performance.
In an atypical off-key start, Asashoryu lost his two opening bouts this week before facing countryman Komusubi Ama. The magazine alleges the Mongolians and a group of foreign wrestlers have stitched up Japan's sacred national sport for money.
In the climax to the bouts, Asashoryu stomped menacingly across the ring and threw his trademark glare at the cameras before pummelling his opponent into the audience.
Since losing his last match against Miyabiyama, the 26-year-old has been even more surly than usual, saying he is tired of criticism.
Asashoryu is the Eric Cantona of sumo, a swaggering, cocky but supremely talented outsider who divides fans in his adopted home, despite proving he is one of the best.
