Ozeki Kisenosato maintained his perfect record with a convincing win over No. 2 maegashira Okinoumi on Saturday, staying in the lead alongside No. 4 maegashira Ikioi after the seventh day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.

Seeking his first career championship, Kisenosato (7-0) had a solid bout over Okinoumi (1-6) as he charged low off the tachiai, grabbed an underarm belt hold with his left hand and grappled his opponent out, leaving him no room to counter.

Fellow ozeki Kotoshogiku, in the hunt for a second straight championship that could potentially see him promoted to yokozuna, survived a scare to keep that dream alive against boyhood friend Toyonoshima.