Bulgarian komusubi Kotooshu stayed on course to become the first-ever European wrestler to win an Emperor's Cup after disposing of Hokutoriki for his 11th victory at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on Friday.
Komusubi Kotooshu swats down No. 5 maegashira Hokutoriki on the 13th day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo
Tournament at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium.
The baby-faced assassin wriggled free of Hokutoriki's advances and thrust the maegashira down to the clay surface to preserve his share of the lead with lone grand champion Asashoryu on 11-2, with two days of the 15-day meet remaining at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium.
Asashoryu, who was stunned by Kotooshu earlier in the week, remains the favorite to lift his fifth straight Emperor's Cup after making mincemeat out of local favorite Kotomitsuki.