Ozeki Takakeisho suffered his first defeat of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday, falling to No. 1 maegashira Takayasu on the third day of action at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

In a meet held without the injured lone yokozuna Terunofuji, Takakeisho (2-1), seeking his third Emperor's Cup, failed to join five unbeaten wrestlers as he was slapped down to the sandy surface by former ozeki Takayasu (2-1).

Takakeisho (R) loses to Takayasu on the third day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament at Fukuoka Kokusai Center on Nov. 15, 2022. (Kyodo)

Takayasu, who was in title contention in the previous tournament in September, took control of the bout with his opening shoves.

"I need to shift my focus to tomorrow. I've already switched my mindset," said Takakeisho.

Ozeki Shodai (2-1) picked up his first win against No. 1 Kotonowaka (0-3) in their sixth meeting, standing his ground before embarking on a powerful drive to push the rank-and-filer out.

Shodai is wrestling as a demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki for the fifth time in his career after falling to a losing record in September. He can remain at the second-highest rank by winning eight or more in Fukuoka.

Sekiwake Mitakeumi (2-1) suffered his first defeat as komusubi Daieisho (2-1) pulled him down after trading shoves. Mitakeumi, demoted from ozeki before the meet, can return to the rank by winning 10 bouts this month.

Sekiwake Hoshoryu (3-0) allowed an overarm belt hold but kept driving forward to force out a giant No. 2 Ichinojo (1-2), remaining unbeaten after claiming a bout between two Mongolian-born wrestlers.

Sekiwake Wakatakakage (2-1) had no trouble against a hapless No. 2 Meisei (0-3), who backed off easily under the early pressure before being forced out.

New komusubi Tobizaru (3-0) stayed perfect after audaciously ducking his body at the initial charge against September's Autumn meet champion Tamawashi (0-3) and swiftly forcing out the veteran komusubi.

Komusubi Kiribayama (2-1) took his time but floored diminutive No. 3 Midorifuji (1-2) with a pulling overarm throw. No. 9 Abi, No. 11 Kotoshoho and No. 16 Hiradoumi won their third straight.

Shodai (R) beats Kotonowaka. (Kyodo)