Overnight leader Takayasu maintained his one-win buffer at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday by beating fellow rank-and-file wrestler Hokutofuji.
Fighting as a No. 7 maegashira, former ozeki Takayasu improved to a perfect 7-0 to finish the first week of the 15-day tournament at Edion Arena Osaka as the only unbeaten competitor.
Three wrestlers — ozeki Mitakeumi, new sekiwake Wakatakakage and No. 6 maegashira Kotonowaka — are tied for second at 6-1 after victories on Day 7.