Shodai headlines a group of three men tied for the lead at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament after besting fellow rank-and-filer Hokutofuji on Thursday in a battle to remain undefeated.
Coming off a day of rest, No. 2 maegashira Hokutofuji (4-1) had no response for No. 4 Shodai's shoving attack at Ryogoku Kokugikan, taking his fifth loss in as many bouts with the former sekiwake.
Hokutofuji had beaten both ozeki and yokozuna Kakuryu over the first three days of the 15-day meet before gaining a win by forfeit on Wednesday when Hakuho pulled out with minor injuries.