Top-division rookie sensation Takerufuji continued his unbeaten march Tuesday at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament by defeating his nearest rival in the title race, fellow rising star Onosato.
The No. 17 maegashira from the Isegahama stable improved to 10-0 -- two wins clear of fifth-ranked Onosato and ozeki Kotonowaka -- with the impressive push-out victory on Day 10 at Edion Arena Osaka.
Despite nearly slipping to the clay, Takerufuji kept his momentum from the opening charge and drove Onosato over the straw bales before the higher-ranked wrestler could make use of a belt hold.
The 24-year-old Takerufuji will continue his pursuit of a historic championship as a debutant in the makuuchi division Wednesday when he faces Kotonowaka, who is gunning for a maiden Emperor's Cup in his first 15-day tournament as ozeki.
The newly promoted ozeki logged his all-important eighth victory in a one-sided battle with No. 3 maegashira Oho (4-6), nearly pushing him over the edge before forcing him out the opposite side.
Having started the tournament as a demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki, Takakeisho (7-3) remains one win short of the eight needed to keep his rank after being thrust down by sekiwake Daieisho.
Takakeisho had the upper hand in a pushing and thrusting battle with Daieisho (5-5) but left himself vulnerable to the counter as he lunged forward at the edge.
"He's a big man, so I had to keep that in mind and try to weather the storm," Daieisho said. "I'm not doing well at the tournament. I'll just try to do my best one day at a time."
Ozeki Hoshoryu improved to 7-3 by throwing sekiwake Wakamotoharu (5-5) to the clay from behind after dodging his initial charge.
Fellow Mongolian-born ozeki Kirishima stumbled to 3-7 with another upset loss, this time to No. 4 maegashira Hiradoumi (5-5), and must win all of his remaining bouts in Osaka to avoid kadoban status at the next grand tournament.
Related coverage:
Sumo: Rookie Takerufuji stays perfect, Onosato a win back in Osaka
Sumo: Rookie Takerufuji keeps outright lead, claims winning record
Sumo: Kirishima slumps to 2-5 as tourney proceeds without yokozuna
