Sole leader and No. 15 maegashira Atamifuji recorded a superb win over komusubi Tobizaru to open a two-win lead after 11 days of action at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Wednesday when his closest rival, No. 7 Takayasu, fell to his third defeat.
Atamifuji (10-1), ranked on the third lowest rung of sumo's elite makuuchi division, grabbed a left overarm belt hold straight away before quickly reeling off an emphatic throw to upend Tobizaru (5-6) as the 21-year-old continued his remarkable run at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Wrestling in sumo's top flight for the second time in his career after going 4-11 in November, Atamifuji has competed in the second-tier juryo division in the past four grand tournaments.
Takayasu (8-3), who lost to Atamifuji on Tuesday and seemed to have hurt his leg in the process, showed little resistance as the former ozeki was shoved out by sekiwake Daieisho (7-4) in a damaging defeat.
Demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki Takakeisho (8-3), meanwhile, secured the eight wins he needed to remain at sumo's second highest rank by overpowering sekiwake Wakamotoharu (6-5).
Takakeisho kept his title hopes alive as his shoves to the body proved too much for Wakamotoharu, who was thrust down at the edge of the raised ring by a left-hand push. Takakeisho, however, appeared to be feeling some discomfort in his left elbow afterward.
No. 16 Tsurugisho (8-3) also remained in the title race and secured a winning record. He knocked Hokutofuji (7-4) off balance with blows to the face before slapping the No. 1 down to the clay.
Another kadoban ozeki, Kirishima (7-4), needs just one more win to secure his rank for November's grand tournament. He withstood pressure from new sekiwake Kotonowaka (6-5) and secured belt holds with both hands en route to a force-out win.
New ozeki Hoshoryu (5-6) forced Takanosho (5-6) to the edge before the No. 4's late drive left him backpedaling. The nephew of former yokozuna Asashoryu, however, had the leeway he needed to execute an armlock throw for a win that was confirmed following a discussion by the ringside judges.
Two wrestlers failed to secure their eighth win. No. 6 Onosho (7-4) was floored by an overarm throw from No. 13 Myogiryu (7-4) and No. 10 Endo (7-4) was pushed down by No. 5 Gonoyama (7-4).
Related coverage:
Sumo: Low-ranked Atamifuji beats Takayasu to take outright lead
Sumo: Leaders Takayasu, Atamifuji secure winning record after 9 days
Sumo: Takayasu, Atamifuji retain lead as all three ozeki fall
