Lone yokozuna Terunofuji suffered another stunning loss Tuesday at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, succumbing in a marathon battle against No. 1 maegashira Tobizaru.
Terunofuji, who was upset by No. 1 Nishikigi the previous day, dropped to 1-2 at Dolphins Arena after Tobizaru's belt partially unraveled in the grand champion's hands, making it difficult for him to utilize his grip.
Tobizaru (1-2) evaded a force out and wriggled away from a throw before driving the eight-time Emperor's Cup winner across the ring and over the straw, prompting spectators to rain down zabuton cushions.
"Moving forward was my objective and once I got in there tight, I maneuvered fast," said Tobizaru, whose only previous win over Terunofuji came last September.
Of the three promotion-seeking sekiwake, only Daieisho remained unbeaten following losses by Hoshoryu and Wakamotoharu on Day 3.
Daieisho made quick work of No. 3 Midorifuji (0-3), thrusting him off the raised ring with a series of well-directed blows to the upper body.
Former ozeki Shodai, fighting as a No. 2, earned his first win by pushing out Wakamotoharu.
Nishikigi (3-0) maintained his impressive early form at the 15-day tournament, handing Hoshoryu his first loss.
The nephew of Mongolian great Asashoryu delivered a solid opening hit but appeared to lose his footing before being slapped down by Nishikigi, bidding for his first promotion to the distinguished sanyaku ranks below yokozuna.
No. 13 Gonoyama remained the only undefeated top-division debutant at the tournament after No. 14 Shonannoumi and No. 17 Hakuoho took their first losses.
New ozeki Kirishima is set to fight from the second-highest rank for the first time on Day 4 after sitting out the first three days of the meet with bruised right ribs, his stable said Tuesday.