Grand champion debutant Asashoryu wiped the clownish expression off Takamisakari's face Friday with a convincing fifth win but was still left chasing front-running Chiyotaikai at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
"Kadoban" ozeki Chiyotaikai hauled down Tosanoumi to grab sole possession of the lead at 6-0 after overnight co-leaders Jumonji and Kotoryu were handed their first defeats of the 15-day meet at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium.
In the day's finale, second-ranked maegashira Takamisakari (1-5) gave the crowd plenty to giggle and cheer about with his bizarre pre-bout rituals and comical facial expressions, earning applause normally reserved for grand champions.
But Asashoryu, who is seeking a third straight Emperor's Cup, had the last laugh as he choked Takamisakari with a vice-like grip and followed through with a pair of powerful slaps before sending his opponent sprawling with a beltless armthrow.