Legend paid to win sumo bouts

TOKYO - A former sumo wrestler Thursday accused legendary champion Kitanoumi of paying to win bouts during his career in a ballooning scandal tarnishing the image of the ancient Japanese sport.

Kitanoumi was a phenomenal star in the 1970s, rising to the top rank of "yokozuna" or grand champion. He later served as head of the Japan Sumo Association before stepping down last month.

"I took part in fixed bouts with Kitanoumi," former wrestler Keisuke Itai testified before the Tokyo District Court. "I received 500,000 yen (5,000 dollars) from the Kitanoumi side," said Itai, who was called as a witness by a magazine publisher being sued by the sumo authority for alleging that many sumo bouts were fixed. The weekly magazine, Shukan Gendai, has alleged that numerous wrestlers including Asashoryu paid to secure victories.