Yokozuna Asashoryu still looked shaky but got the job done with a fanciful leg trip against Tochinonada to stay one win off the pace at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday.
The Mongolian grand champion debutant was a far cry from his usual truculent self as the final bout got under way on the fifth day of action at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium.
Asashoryu has struggled with his confidence, moving tentatively about the raised-ring, since an embarrassing defeat to compatriot Kyokutenho on the third day of the 15-day meet.
The 22-year-old from Ulan Bator immediately got locked at the ring's center and had a heated tussle with the No. 2 maegashira before he was able to nozzle up for an outside leg trip that moved him to 4-1.