Overnight leader and No. 1 maegashira Nishikigi fell to a surprise second defeat Thursday at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, where No. 9 Hokutofuji rejoined his fellow rank-and-filer in pole position for the title after 12 days.
Nishikigi (10-2) was facing makuuchi-division debutant No. 14 Shonannoumi (8-4), and each wrestler quickly secured a left underarm belt hold. Nishikigi, broke the deadlocked match first, sought the same hold with his right but missed, left his body overextended, and fell victim to an armlock throw.
Hokutofuji (10-2) had an impressive win over ozeki-promotion-chasing sekiwake Hoshoryu (9-3) at Dolphins Arena. Hokutofuji kept low while pushing forward en route to a shove-out win -- his first victory over the nephew of former Mongolian great Asashoryu in six career attempts.
Wakamotoharu (8-4) had his possible ozeki promotion put in doubt after he was unable to respond to a shove to the throat and quick charge forward from new ozeki Kirishima (6-4-2).
Sekiwake Daieisho (8-4) also suffered a damaging defeat in his bid for promotion as his trademark attack was comfortably countered by a slap-down from veteran No. 7 Tamawashi (7-5).
With a key benchmark for ozeki promotion being 33 wins over three straight meets as a sekiwake or komusubi, Hoshoryu and Daieisho have to win their remaining three bouts to reach 33 while Wakamotoharu can now only manage 32 at best.
Top-tier debutant No. 17 Hakuoho (9-3) made two false starts while Abi (4-8) had one himself before the pair finally made a go of it on their fourth try. Hakuoho failed with his slap-down attempt and stepped back but showed remarkable footwork to recover his ground and force the komusubi backward before pushing him out.
There was a worrying scene after the bout, however, as the 19-year-old Hakuoho, whose left shoulder is heavily-strapped, was visibly in pain.
No. 16 Endo (8-4) took a step back in the title race as he was floored by a beltless arm throw from komusubi Kotonowaka (8-4).
Related coverage:
Sumo: Hokutofuji loses, Nishikigi takes sole lead in Nagoya
Sumo: Nishikigi, Hokutofuji remain in Nagoya lead as Hoshoryu falls
Sumo: Hoshoryu beats Hiradoumi to stay in 3-way tie for lead on Day 9
