Sekiwake Tamawashi maintained his lead by beating No. 5 maegashira Aoiyama with one day remaining in the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday.
Tamawashi picked up his 12th victory and will go into Sunday's bout at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan with a one-win lead over sekiwake Takakeisho.
Yokozuna Hakuho (10-4) earlier in the day pulled out with injuries to his right knee and left foot.