Ozeki Kotoshogiku came roaring back to move within one win of becoming the first Japanese-born champion in a decade at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday.
Handed a stunning first loss at the meet by longtime friend Toyonoshima on Friday, Kotoshogiku barged out Tochiozan to improve to 13-1. Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho, who was upset by Kisenosato, and seventh-ranked maegashira Toyonoshima have 12-2 marks.
But Harumafuji dropped out of contention with a third defeat against fellow Mongolian yokozuna Kakuryu (10-4).