Lone ozeki Takakeisho notched his first win of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday, taking care of top-ranked maegashira Tamawashi in convincing fashion.

Under pressure following an opening-day loss to komusubi Tobizaru, Takakeisho relied on his powerful pushing and thrusting to send dangerous Mongolian veteran Tamawashi (1-1) over the straw before he had a chance to counter.

The three-time Emperor's Cup winner delivered a strong opening hit and kept moving forward despite slipping slightly, winning the final bout of Day 2 by push out.

With sole yokozuna Terunofuji still out of action at the 15-day meet following double knee surgery, Takakeisho is looking to secure promotion to sumo's highest rank by winning another title at Edion Arena Osaka.

None of the three wrestlers at the third-highest rank, sekiwake, remain unbeaten following Kiribayama's upset loss to No. 1 maegashira Shodai, off to a flying start in his first tournament back among the rank and file since January 2020.

Former ozeki Shodai, who beat Hoshoryu on Day 1, maneuvered out of an arm lock and pushed down his second straight sekiwake victim.

Rising Mongolian star Hoshoryu remained winless after losing by hand pull down to No. 2 Abi (1-1), with ringside officials confirming he touched the sandy surface momentarily before his opponent went out.

Sekiwake Wakatakakage was also unable to register his first win of the tournament, exiting the ring quickly in a loss to komusubi Daieisho (2-0), who exploded out of the blocks to claim victory by push out.

A day after stunning Takakeisho, Tobizaru improved to 2-0 with another impressive win, forcing out former ozeki and current No. 3 Mitakeumi (0-2).