Rookie sensation Onosato overpowered former sekiwake Meisei to keep his share of the lead and clinch a winning record Monday at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
The much-hyped No. 15 maegashira from Ishikawa Prefecture shares the top rung at 8-1 with sekiwake Kotonowaka and No. 14 Onosho, while lone yokozuna Terunofuji is one win back alongside ozeki Kirishima and Hoshoryu at 7-2.
One of the joint overnight leaders, No. 7 Asanoyama (7-2), withdrew with a right ankle injury and forfeited his scheduled bout against Onosho on Day 9 of the 15-day tournament.
Having beaten several seasoned veterans in his top-division debut, the 23-year-old Onosato added one more to the list when he forced No. 9 Meisei (5-4) out of the ring at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
"I was able to remain calm and maintain my balance. My initial charge has been getting better and better and I'm feeling good," said Onosato, whose home prefecture has been impacted severely by a powerful earthquake on Jan. 1.
"I'd like to give my strongest performance to cheer people up in Ishikawa. I'm grateful for their support."
Ozeki aspirant Kotonowaka was too strong for fellow sekiwake Daieisho (6-3) as he used an inside position to win by force out.
"I thought if I got a belt grip, I would have the advantage, so that's what I was going for. I just want to rack up as many wins as possible," said Kotonowaka, who will face Onosato on Day 10.
Injury returnee Terunofuji eventually forced No. 5 Nishikigi (5-4) over the straw after he stubbornly dug his heels in at the edge. The Mongolian-born grand champion is aiming to complete his first 15-day tournament since winning his eighth Emperor's Cup last May.
Kirishima, who is looking to earn promotion to yokozuna with a championship, survived a close call as he pushed out No. 4 Shodai (4-5), while Hoshoryu stayed in control to force out No. 5 Ryuden (3-6).
Related coverage:
Sumo: Joint leader Asanoyama withdraws from New Year meet
Sumo: Asanoyama loses sole lead, Kirishima suffers upset on Day 8
Sumo: Asanoyama keeps sole lead, Shodai upsets Terunofuji on Day 7
