Lone ozeki Takakeisho grabbed the outright lead Monday at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament with an overwhelming victory over rank-and-file opponent Sadanoumi.
Takakeisho (8-1) started Day 9 at Ryogoku Kokugikan tied for first place with No. 13 Kotoshoho, who fell off the pace following his second loss of the 15-day meet.
The 26-year-old Takakeisho pushed No. 4 maegashira Sadanoumi (2-7) straight out from the jump, becoming the first top-division wrestler to secure a winning record for the tournament.
The ozeki is chasing a third grand tournament crown that could see him promoted to the highest rank of yokozuna alongside Mongolian-born powerhouse Terunofuji, who is currently sidelined while recuperating from knee surgery.
The 23-year-old Kotoshoho (7-2) succumbed to an underarm throw against No. 10 Hiradoumi and now shares the second rung of the leaderboard with No. 8 Onosho, who pushed out No. 6 Hokutofuji (5-4).
Sekiwake Hoshoryu (6-3) limped off the dohyō after losing by beltless arm throw to komusubi Wakamotoharu (5-4). The nephew of Mongolian great Asashoryu went for a throw but had his attempt countered by the new komusubi.
Former sekiwake Daieisho (6-3), fighting as a top-ranked maegashira, also failed to keep pace with the leaders after being pushed out by komusubi Kotonowaka (4-5).
Embattled sekiwake Shodai improved to 3-6 via a hand pull down against komusubi Kiribayama (5-4). Shodai can no longer reach the 10 wins required for automatic promotion back to ozeki and faces demotion from the distinguished sanyaku ranks below yokozuna altogether.
Sekiwake Wakatakakage remained on the right side of the ledger at 5-4 by slapping down No. 5 Ryuden (5-4).
==Kyodo