Shodai and Tokushoryu each retained their leading records at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday, while ozeki Goeido suffered an eighth loss and faces a demotion from the sport's second-highest rank.
Goeido (4-8) was beaten by new sekiwake Asanoyama (7-5) in the day's final bout after the rank-and-file co-leaders claimed their 11th wins at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
The 33-year-old Goeido got into a good position after the initial clash with Asanoyama. But the ozeki allowed last year's Summer Basho winner to navigate in, secure his favored belt hold and force him over the straw.