Top-ranked maegashira Tobizaru sprang the first big upset of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, slapping down Takakeisho, the lone ozeki, in Monday's final bout.
The former komusubi remained a thorn in Takakeisho's side as he racked up his second straight head-to-head win over the ozeki on Day 2 at Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena.
Takakeisho failed to land a strong opening hit and was kept off balance by the backpedaling Tobizaru, who found an opening to sling the ozeki to the clay and improve to 1-1.