Yokozuna Akebono turned the tables on nemesis Takatoriki on Saturday, denying the No. 14 maegashira a chance to win his first-ever Emperor's Cup at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
Akebono's one-sided victory at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium saddled Takatoriki with his second loss of the 15-day tourney and left open the possibility of a five-way playoff for the championship Sunday.
Takatoriki, 32, wrestling at the makuuchi division's lowest rank, can still claim the first-ever Emperor's Cup of his 17-year sumo career with a win over up-and-coming Miyabiyama on Sunday.