Yokozuna Musashimaru rebounded from an opening-day loss to open his account in convincing style Monday, but ozeki duo Kaio and Musoyama crumbled on the second day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
Newly promoted ozeki Tochiazuma survived a scare to keep a clean sheet in the 15-day meet at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan along with sekiwake Kotomitsuki, who remains on course for ozeki promotion with back-to-back wins.
Musashimaru put Sunday's upset defeat by komusubi Wakanosato behind him as the Samoan-born grand champion kept cool in a momentary midring tussle to maneuver for an arm position and easily toppled winless second-ranked maegashira Tamanoshima with powerful thrusts.