Rank-and-file wrestler Hokutofuji continued to plow forward in a no-nonsense win Sunday to improve to 8-0 and retain his sole lead on the eighth day of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.
The 30-year-old No. 8 maegashira failed to gain any advantage on the opening charge, but was able to steadily push No. 6 Endo (3-5) backward and force him over the straw bales.
Hokutofuji is one win ahead of fellow maegashira Tamawashi. Six wrestlers are another win further back at 6-2 in the 15-day tourney at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, while the sole yokozuna, Terunofuji, is three wins off the pace at 5-3.