Yokozuna Kakuryu kept his share of the lead at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Wednesday, defeating rank-and-filer Ichinojo in the day's final bout at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
The Mongolian yokozuna, gunning for his second straight championship, sits in a tie with sekiwake Takakeisho and No. 8 maegashira Okinoumi after the fourth day of the 15-day tournament.
The only yokozuna remaining in the meet, Kakuryu made quick work of the 224-kg Ichinojo, the heaviest man in the top makuuchi division.