Grand champion debutant Asashoryu managed to dodge a bullet to get his bid for a third consecutive championship back on track Wednesday with a win over Shimotori on the fourth day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
Handed an embarrassing defeat by Kyokutenho on Tuesday, Asashoryu's performance was far from convincing and the fiery Mongolian came dangerously close to a second major upset at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium.
Asashoryu is one win off the pace at 3-1 behind "kadoban" ozeki Chiyotaikai, who notched his fourth win to move a step closer to keeping his rank. Chiyotaikai shares the overnight lead with rank-and-filers Jumonji and Kotoryu.
Ozeki Kaio also eased his relegation worries with a bread-and-butter victory but there was more misery for Musoyama, who was sent crashing to his fourth straight loss in the 15-day meet.