Tearful sumo champion steps down after brutal attack on rival

TOKYO: Japan’s ancient sport of sumo suffered another humiliating blow Wednesday when grand champion Harumafuji retired to atone for a brutal assault on a rival wrestler while out drinking.

The Mongolian “yokozuna”, sumo’s highest rank, fought back tears as he apologised for the embarrassment caused by a violent outburst last month that left countryman Takanoiwa with a fractured skull.