Ozeki Takakeisho suffered his first defeat of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday, falling to No. 1 maegashira Takayasu on the third day of action at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
In a meet held without injured lone yokozuna Terunofuji, Takakeisho (2-1), seeking his third Emperor's Cup, failed to join five unbeaten wrestlers despite forcing former ozeki Takayasu (2-1) to the edge with his opening attacks.
Takayasu, who was in title contention in September's Autumn meet, had enough in his tank to recover his ground before timely slapping down Takakeisho to the sandy surface.