Ozeki Takakeisho and No. 17 maegashira Shimanoumi remain locked in a two-way tie for the lead at the November Grand Sumo Tournament after each improved to 11-1 on Thursday, the 12th day of the 15-day meet.
With three days left at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, the contest remains a battle between the highest-ranked and lowest-ranked grappler in a pack missing both yokozuna and two of the three ozeki.
The standoff will come to a head on Day 13, when Takakeisho faces Shimanoumi for the first time ever in a bout that will determine the meet's sole leader and give the victor a one-win advantage heading into the final two days.