Mongolian firebrand Asashoryu showed countryman Harumafuji who the boss is with another clinical display to stay tied for the lead with yokozuna rival Hakuho at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday.
Asashoryu (9-0) shook off Harumafuji at the charge and kept his right hand clamped to the ozeki debutant's belt to tip him onto the sandy surface and preserve his spotless record at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
The 22-time Emperor's Cup winner missed part or all of the last three tournaments through injury but he has shown that he is still very much a force to be reckoned with a slew of gritty performances here.