Former ozeki Takayasu, who has led the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament since Day 1, regained the sole lead on Friday with his 12th win.
Takayasu, currently a No. 7 maegashira, entered the 13th day of the 15-day meet at Edion Arena Osaka tied with new sekiwake Wakatakakage (11-2), who lost the preceding bout to new ozeki Mitakeumi (10-3).
Against Takakeisho (8-5), the sport's top pushing and shoving master, Takayasu refused to be cornered. He sparred with the ozeki, keeping Takakeisho from building up a head of steam while constantly presenting a moving target.