Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu was given a run for his money Wednesday but eked out a hard-fought win over sekiwake Wakanosato to remain in sole possession of the lead heading down the final straight of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament.
The 22-year-old hotshot from Ulan Bator, who is aiming for his first Emperor's Cup as grand champion, improved to 10-1 to stay one win ahead of ozeki Chiyotaikai and rank-and-filer Buyuzan with four days of the 15-day meet remaining.
In the day's finale at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, Asashoryu got a little more than he bargained for as Wakanosato (7-4) broke out of a prolonged stalemate at the center of the ring and repeatedly shunted the yokozuna toward the straw bales.