Ozeki Goeido put one hand on his first Emperor's Cup after defeating yokozuna Harumafuji to maintain his perfect record with two days remaining at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Friday.
Goeido (13-0) can win the championship Saturday if he beats sixth-ranked maegashira Tamawashi (9-4). Only No. 14 Endo at 11-2, who faces sekiwake Takayasu on Saturday, has a mathematical chance of beating Goeido to the title.
Both Harumafuji and Takayasu dropped out of the race Friday after suffering their third losses of the meet. Takayasu was defeated by fifth-ranked Mitakeumi (9-4).
The crowd rocked at Ryogoku Kokugikan for the day's final bout between Goeido and Harumafuji, who had owned the matchup against the ozeki with a 29-9 lifetime record and tried to stare down his opponent ahead of the start.
Harumafuji had to win Friday to retain any shot at capturing his second straight tournament, and the Mongolian yokozuna came roaring out of the tachiai, backing Goeido onto the straw bales in a heartbeat.
But Goeido stayed with Harumafuji, who dove for the belt with both hands as he tried to seal victory with one final push. That's when Goeido grabbed the yokozuna by the neck and wheeled him onto his back all in one motion, dashing Harumafuji's title hopes.
Endo kept the champagne on ice for Goeido with a nervy tottari win over No. 7 Shohozan (7-6).
Ozeki Kisenosato fell at the hands of yokozuna Kakuryu (9-4), seeing his record slip to 9-4 — and all but ending any opportunity at yokozuna promotion during the year's last meet in November.
