Ozeki Takakeisho brushed aside sekiwake Mitakeumi to retain sole lead at the November Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday, setting up a head-to-head title decider on the final day with komusubi Terunofuji.
Takakeisho (13-1), chasing his second Emperor's Cup, did not give Mitakeumi (6-8) any room for an upset, reeling off his trademark low charges to bounce the sekiwake off the raised ring and hand him a losing record.
The 24-year-old is fulfilling his role as the highest-ranked wrestler following the withdrawal of Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho and Kakuryu before the meet, as well as the sidelining of ozeki Asanoyama and Shodai in the early stages at Ryogoku Kokugikan.