Rank-and-filer Shodai snapped a seven-bout losing streak against ozeki Takakeisho on Monday to leave himself in a two-way tie for the lead at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
Shodai (8-1), chasing his first top-division title, brushed aside one of his overnight co-leaders after Takakeisho (7-2) briefly bounced back in the final bout of Day 9 at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
The No. 4 maegashira found himself on the ropes but stepped aside as Takakeisho thrusted forward, giving the ozeki a push from behind for good measure.