Daieisho blasted his opponent out of the ring in a heartbeat Saturday to take the sole lead at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament with a perfect 7-0 record.

The 27-year-old No. 1 maegashira's charge sent sekiwake Takanosho (4-3) staggering backward, and two follow-up thrusts were all Daieisho needed to complete his victory.

Daieisho's win improved his career record against Takanosho to 3-3, and completed his clean sweep of the three sanyaku ranks below yokozuna, having beaten all three ozeki, as well as the two sekiwake and two komusubi.