Yokozuna Terunofuji suffered his third defeat as five maegashira wrestlers tied for the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament lead at 6-2 on Sunday after eight days of action.
No. 4 maegashira Takanosho joined the leaders as the former sekiwake claimed his first career kinboshi win by a rank-and-filer against a grand champion.
The yokozuna, who pulled out of March's Spring tourney with knee and heel injuries, has often looked less than match fit in his comeback, and was stunned by Takanosho's sharp opening drive.