Nineteen-year-old rookie sensation Hakuoho turned the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament title race on its head Saturday with a stunning win over sole overnight leader Hokutofuji.
Fighting in just his fourth senior tournament and first in the top division, the No. 17 maegashira grabbed a share of the lead by thrusting down No. 9 Hokutofuji and joins him in a three-way tie at 11-3 heading into the final day.
Ozeki promotion-seeking Hoshoryu also advanced to the head of the pack by beating fellow sekiwake Wakamotoharu, but No. 1 Nishikigi dropped off the pace after taking his third straight loss at the hands of No. 15 Ryuden, who is now tied on the second rung at 10-4.
Komusubi Kotonowaka joined Nishikigi and Ryuden at 10-4 after winning his fifth straight bout via push out against No. 4 Ura (6-8).
The 15-day tournament will see the crowning of a first-time champion on Sunday, with no previous Emperor's Cup winners remaining in title contention.
A day after beating former tournament leader Nishikigi, Hakuoho once again demonstrated his survival instincts as he held firm at the edge and kept his balance to topple seasoned veteran and former komusubi Hokutofuji.
In one of the day's highlight bouts, Hoshoryu eliminated Wakamotoharu (9-5) from the race with an arm-lock throw. The nephew of former Mongolian great Asashoryu punished his opponent's poorly executed attempt to dodge the opening charge, catching him in the air and tossing him to the clay.
New ozeki Kirishima (6-6-2) will fall short of the eight-win threshold for the tournament after losing to Asanoyama (7-4-3) by beltless arm throw and must contest the next meet with demotion-threatened kadoban status.