Outright leader Takerufuji stormed to his ninth straight win at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday, the top-tier makuuchi debutant continuing his perfect start as fellow prospect Onosato also triumphed to stay a win behind.
No. 17 maegashira Takerufuji (9-0) comfortably fended off the renowned opening thrusts from komusubi Abi (6-3) and quickly got on the front foot before pushing him out at Edion Arena Osaka, coming out on top in his first bout against a "sanyaku" wrestler occupying three ranks below yokozuna.
On Sunday, the 24-year-old became the first makuuchi debutant to take the sole lead midway through the tournament since the 15-day tournament format was introduced in 1949.
Onosato (8-1) was next up on the raised ring and the No. 5 maegashira successfully kept up the pressure on Takerufuji. After pushing sekiwake Wakamotoharu (5-4) to the edge, the 23-year-old used his big frame to great effect to seal a force-out win and a winning record.
"I kept focusing on charging forward," said Onosato, who also secured a winning record after nine days when he made his makuuchi debut in January's New Year meet, eventually finishing 11-4. "I gained good experience last time out, and I'll do my best to win as many as I can this time."
Demotion-threatened ozeki Takakeisho (7-2) showed powerful, accurate shoves throughout to keep tricky Tobizaru (5-4) away before pushing the No. 4 maegashira out, moving within a win he needs this month to retain his place at the second-highest rank.
New ozeki Kotonowaka (7-2) easily pushed out sekiwake Daieisho (4-5), but Hoshoryu (6-3) took a step back after diminutive No. 5 maegashira Midorifuji quickly moved to his right and swung down the ozeki to the clay.
No. 12 maegashira Shonannoumi won his bout to join the two ozeki in a three-way tie at 7-2.
Ozeki Kirishima (3-6) produced relentless attacks to force out komusubi Nishikigi (1-8).
Related coverage:
Sumo: Rookie Takerufuji keeps outright lead, claims winning record
Sumo: Kirishima slumps to 2-5 as tourney proceeds without yokozuna
Sumo: Terunofuji loses 3rd in row, prospects Onosato, Takerufuji lead
