Komusubi Takakeisho set himself up to seal his first championship by earning his 12th win on Friday, the 13th day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.
The 22-year-old owned most of his bout against 197-kg Bulgarian Aoiyama, seizing the initiative early before winning when the No. 12 maegashira's heavily taped right knee buckled. With the defeat, the 32-year-old was knocked from championship contention with his fourth loss.
Takakeisho (12-1) can now wrap up the championship with a win over Takayasu on Saturday. The ozeki, who remained one win off the lead by beating Daieisho, holds a 4-2 record against Takakeisho.