Ozeki Takakeisho suffered his first defeat at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday, opening the door for sekiwake Shodai and a band of rank-and-filers all hoping to lift the Emperor's Cup.
Takakeisho saw his perfect start at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan ended by No. 2 maegashira Hokutofuji (1-2) in the penultimate bout of Day 2, dropping a win behind Shodai and five other wrestlers at 3-0.
The ozeki had been considered a favorite to win following the injury withdrawals of both yokozuna before the start of the 15-day meet and back-to-back upsets to fellow ozeki Asanoyama.