Rank-and-file grappler Endo put himself back in the championship race Friday at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament with an upset victory over ozeki Takakeisho.
The popular No. 8 maegashira thrust down Takakeisho on Day 13 at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan to leave both men with a 10-3 record -- two wins behind outright leader Terunofuji, who is in a prime position to claim his second championship in a row.
Fighting as an ozeki for the first time since September 2017, Terunofuji (12-1) can clinch his fourth Emperor's Cup by winning either of his two remaining bouts at the 15-day meet following his victory over giant No. 6 Ichinojo (8-5).
Takakeisho made a strong start to the day's final match, going straight into the chest of his opponent and driving him back. But with the ozeki flying toward him, Endo stepped to the side and used Takakeisho's momentum to launch him off the dohyo.
A man of few words, Endo said he was "still trying to figure out" how he earned a second straight win over Takakeisho, having also upset him in January.
"My body reacted instantly, and I was able to make that move," Endo said. "I wasn't thinking about my opponent being an ozeki. Regardless of who it was, I thought today, I just had to win. I'm just happy that I did."
In a battle of Mongolian heavyweights, Terunofuji gained the stronger position from the jump, getting his arms under those of his opponent, but Ichinojo's 200-kilogram bulk prevented a quick force out.
The ozeki bided his time, however, holding his position before seizing an opening to drive his towering compatriot out.
Ozeki Shodai earned his crucial eighth victory by forcing out No. 7 Takarafuji (6-7), quickly hustling the maegashira over the straw despite a somewhat shaky opening charge.
Having entered the tournament as a demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki -- for failing to win eight bouts at the March meet -- Shodai ensured he will stay at sumo's second-highest rank by improving to 8-5.
In the absence of yokozuna Hakuho, who is recovering from knee surgery, the tournament started with four ozeki sharing top billing.
Their ranks were thinned on Day 12, however, when Asanoyama pulled out from the meet after admitting to breaking the Japan Sumo Association's coronavirus safety rules, by dining out with others while instructed to stay home.
A day after clinching a winning record thanks to Asanoyama's forfeit, Takayasu improved to 9-4 by tossing out No. 4 Myogiryu (5-8) following a prolonged battle of attrition.
After the pair locked up in a stalemate, Myogiryu was the first to break out of the hold and attempt an attack, but the former ozeki Takayasu circled around and slung him out from behind.
Sekiwake Takanosho, already the owner of a losing record for the tournament, dropped to 4-9 after falling victim to fast-rising No. 5 Hoshoryu, the nephew of Mongolian great Asashoryu, who has beaten two ozeki here.
Hoshoryu (6-7), who turns 22 on Saturday, kept alive his bid for a winning record by holding off Takanosho with his back to the straw and upending the sekiwake with an overarm throw.
Komusubi Mitakeumi, whose title bid ended with three straight losses, secured a winning record at 8-5 by forcing out No. 5 Onosho (6-7).
Rising talent Wakatakakage (8-5) earned his all-important eighth win -- and a possible first promotion to the three "sanyaku" ranks below yokozuna -- by downing fellow No. 1 Hokutofuji.
Following several eye-catching victories over high-ranking opponents, the athletic Wakatakakage won with a pragmatic thrust-down against former komusubi Hokutofuji (5-8), who will finish the meet with a losing record.
"I think I was able to kind of thrust myself forward and my body reacted well," said Wakatakakage, who said he is not looking beyond the ongoing meet.
"There are a couple of days left, and I'm just going to do my style of sumo one day at a time."
Komusubi Daieisho, who faces demotion to the maegashira ranks at the next tournament, improved to 5-8 by pushing out No. 6 Hidenoumi.
Related coverage:
Sumo: Terunofuji bounces back to retain sole lead with 11th win
Sumo: Asanoyama withdraws from meet over coronavirus safety breach
Sumo: Terunofuji falls to 1st defeat after judges call foul
