Sekiwake Mitakeumi suffered his first loss of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament against No. 4 maegashira Hokutofuji on Tuesday, allowing yokozuna Terunofuji to regain a share of the lead.
Mitakeumi and Terunofuji are tied atop the leaderboard at 9-1 after sumo's lone grand champion took care of business against No. 5 Onosho in the closing bout of Day 10 at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Chasing his third top-division championship, and first since September 2019, sole overnight leader Mitakeumi could not assert himself against former komusubi Hokutofuji, a troublesome opponent who had won 10 of their 22 previous battles.