Giant-killing maegashira Okinoumi extended his perfect start to the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday, but needed two attempts to send Shohozan packing and improve his record to 5-0.

The surprise co-leader after defeating two yokozuna and two ozeki in his first four bouts at the 15-day basho in Tokyo, top-ranked Okinoumi was initially awarded victory by the referee after the first rumble with his seventh-ranked opponent.

That ruling was overturned by ringside judges, who decided that both wrestlers had stepped out of the ring at the same time and called a rematch.

But Okinoumi made no mistake at the second attempt, blasting out Shohozan (2-3) to keep his share of the lead with relegation-threatened ozeki Goeido.

After a nervous start, Goeido huffed and puffed before muscling out sekiwake Takarafuji, who dropped to 2-3.

Yokozuna Harumafuji won his fourth bout and heads a group of seven wrestlers one win off the pace. Fellow Mongolian yokozuna Kakuryu has a 3-2 mark.

Seeking back-to-back championships, Nagoya champion Harumafuji wrapped up the day's action in the top makuuchi division by forcing out winless No. 2 maegashira Shodai.

Earlier, Kakuryu dodged a bullet to floor Georgian No. 2 maegashira Tochinoshin (1-4) with an outside leg trip.

Kotoshogiku bellied out komusubi Tochiozan to remain one win back.

Kisenosato improved to 3-2 after overpowering third-ranked Takanoiwa (2-3).