Kisenosato continued to steal the spotlight on Sunday, when he won a battle of unbeatens to take the sole lead after eight days of the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
The veteran ozeki, seeking his first grand tournament championship, entered the day at Edion Arena Osaka tied for the lead, but handed No. 4 maegashira Ikioi his first loss. Ikioi, who has not beaten the ozeki in their 11 career bouts, attacked aggressively. Kisenosato gave ground initially, but refused to be thrown. Eventually, the ozeki's patience paid off and he was able to force his determined opponent out.
Ozeki Kotoshogiku, seeking to add to his first career championship from January and earn a likely promotion to yokozuna, stayed one win back of the leader. Like Kisenosato, Kotoshogiku faced a hard challenge on the tachiai. Komusubi Tochiozan, who entered the match with a 17-14 edge in their career bouts, came at him at full speed. Although rocked backward, Kotoshogiku managed to assert himself, seized control and slowly maneuvered Tochiozan (2-6) to the edge of the ring before shoving him out.