Ozeki Kisenosato took another major step toward his first championship title with a win over Ikioi Thursday, keeping him in sole possession of the lead at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
Looking to finally shed his tag as a nearly man after coming so close but failing to win the Emperor's Cup on numerous occasions, Kisenosato (11-1) did not have it all his own way against the third-ranked maegashira at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Ikioi (7-5) put up a spirited effort but Kisenosato dug deep into his energy reserves and came up with the goods to improve to 14-0 against his opponent and remain one win clear with three days of the 15-day basho remaining.