Rank-and-file wrestler Shodai seized the sole lead at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament with a convincing win over former ozeki Tochinoshin on Friday.
No. 4 maegashira Shodai forced out No. 6 Tochinoshin (2-4) to become the only wrestler with a perfect record after six days at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Shodai quickly placed his left hand under Tochinoshin's armpit and bulldozed the 177-kg Georgian out of the ring. Shodai, a former sekiwake, is gunning for his first title.