The ozeki duo of Tochiazuma and Chiyotaikai along with sekiwake Kotomitsuki pulled out hard-fought wins Sunday to remain the unbeaten leaders on the eighth day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
No. 13 maegashira Hamanishiki, meanwhile, was saddled with a second loss by fellow rank-and-filer Tochisakae in an early bout at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan to leave the trio of leaders two wins clear of the rest of the field in the 15-day derby for the Emperor's Cup.
Kotomitsuki, seeking promotion to ozeki as well as the tournament championship, survived the closest call to being tagged with his first loss as Chiyotenzan (3-5) had the sekiwake falling forward with a belt throw.