Rank-and-file wrestlers Nishikigi and Hokutofuji both won for the ninth time Tuesday at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament to remain in the lead after sekiwake Hoshoryu suffered a surprising defeat.
The trio entered the 10th of 15 days at Nagoya's Dolphins Arena in a three-way tie for the lead, but the normally lightning quick Hoshoryu found himself quickly on the back foot and fell to his second loss.
Hoshoryu, the nephew of Mongolian former yokozuna Asashoryu and one of the three sekiwake seeking promotion to ozeki, sumo's second highest rank, is one most aggressive wrestlers in the elite makuuchi division, but was second-best in his charge against komusubi Kotonowaka.
Kotonowaka (6-4), who had lost to Hoshoryu in their previous 10 meetings, made the most of his advantage and grabbed a belt hold with both hands before bundling the sekiwake out.
The two remaining leaders both won thanks to slip-ups by their opponents.
Top-ranked maegashira Nishikigi overcame a lackluster start against No. 3 Meisei (4-6) to win for the third straight day. Forced back by Meisei's charge, Nishikigi staved off defeat by grabbing a belt hold as he retreated.
Although Meisei retained his advantage he failed to execute an overarm belt throw, and fell backward out of the ring with Nishikigi on top.
Earlier, No. 9 Hokutofuji got an easy win against No. 7 Tamawashi (6-4), when the Mongolian ironman's back foot slipped on the raised ring's sandy surface and he fell.
New ozeki Kirishima, who missed the first four bouts in Nagoya with bruised ribs, improved to 4-4-2 in his bid to earn eight wins in his debut at the rank.
Tricky No. 4 Ura (4-6) three times forced Kirishima back to the straw bales and nearly brought him down with a throw, but the Mongolian ozeki kept his balance and outlasted the maegashira.
Should Kirishima fail to win eight bouts, he will fight as a relegation-threatened "kadoban" ozeki in September.
Sekiwake Daieisho earned his eighth win in his pursuit of promotion, while Wakamotoharu, also in line for a jump up to ozeki, suffered his third loss, at the hands of No. 5 Onosho (5-5).
Related coverage:
Sumo: Hoshoryu beats Hiradoumi to stay in 3-way tie for lead on Day 9
Sumo: Issues from old knee injuries sideline yokozuna Terunofuji
