Yokozuna promotion-chasing Harumafuji escaped sudden death against Okinoumi by the slimmest of margins Wednesday, but remained the sole undefeated wrestler on the 11th day of action at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.
Yokozuna Hakuho, meanwhile, rebounded from his previous day's defeat to Tochiozan with a demolition of Goeido to stay one behind the ozeki at 10-1 along with veteran Kyokutenho. Kisenosato, however, fell to his second defeat at the hands of Aminishiki, leaving him in a trio including rival ozeki Kakuryu at 9-2.
Harumafuji, who won the Nagoya basho in July with a perfect 15-0 mark, took a big step torward locking up his promotion on his third bid for sumo's highest rank.