Joint overnight leaders Daieisho and Shodai remained at the front of the pack at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday, with each rikishi claiming his 10th win.
Ozeki Shodai beat No. 6 maegashira Ryuden in convincing fashion in the penultimate bout on Day 12 at Ryogoku Kokugikan, while No. 1 Daieisho had a close call against No. 7 Meisei.
Ozeki Asanoyama was unable to keep pace with the leaders at the 15-day meet, however, dropping two wins back with a loss to sekiwake Terunofuji.