An overpowering display from ozeki Hoshoryu knocked No. 4 maegashira Ura out of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament lead on Sunday.
The midpoint of the 15-day meet at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan began with five wrestlers tied for the lead and ended with just two men at the top sporting 7-1 records.
Ura (6-2) had virtually no chance of staying among the leaders as Hoshoryu (5-3) dominated him from start to finish. Hoshoryu, the nephew of former yokozuna Asashoryu, seized the initiative from the opening charge and never let up.
The result left young komusubi Onosato and 37-year-old No. 16 Takarafuji all by themselves at the top.
Onosato displayed good awareness and nifty footwork to secure his win against No. 1 maegashira and fellow overnight co-leader Daieisho (6-2).
The 23-year-old Onosato fended off his opponent's advances before anticipating a lunge from the 30-year-old former sekiwake Daieisho's. He then defeated the move by stepping to one side and shoving Daieisho down as he stumbled forward.
Takarafuji executed a slick throw that sent him and No. 14 maegashira Ryuden toppling over the straw. Although he initiated the move, Takarafuji was the first to fall, and it took a judges' review to rule that Ryuden's toe had grazed the surface before the pair tumbled out.
No. 10 Shonannoumi started the day at 6-1 but was outfoxed on the opening charge by fellow maegashira No. 7 Mitakeumi (6-2) and shoved out. Ozeki Kotozakura also joined the crowd at 6-2 by forcing out No. 4 maegashira Oho (3-5).
Related coverage:
Sumo: Ura's defeat leaves 5 wrestlers tied for Summer tourney lead
Sumo: Ozeki Kirishima to be demoted after pulling out of Summer meet
Sumo: Komusubi Onosato wins heavyweight battle with ozeki Kotozakura
