Yokozunas perform ring-entering ceremony

Sumo grand champions Hakuho and Asashoryu have performed an annual ring-entering ceremony at a Shinto shrine in central Tokyo.

About 3,500 fans flocked to see the two Mongolian-born yokozunas at the traditional New Year event on Wednesday.

Hakuho, who finished 2009 with a record 86 overall victories in 90 bouts, captivated the spectators with his powerful performance in the ritual.

He appeared fit at an official training session observed by Sumo Association advisers on Tuesday, ahead of the New Year tourney starting next Sunday.

Hakuho said the ring-entering ritual motivated him to buckle down to get good results like he did last year.

Asashoryu, who'd had a rather disappointing performance in the training session, said the crowd of spectators encouraged him to do his best this year.