Ozeki Takakeisho dropped from the top of the leaderboard Saturday at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament with an upset loss to No. 3 maegashira Shodai.
The demotion-threatened kadoban ozeki fell to 5-2 on Day 7 of the 15-day tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan after being stopped in his tracks and pushed out by his former ozeki opponent.
The result leaves two rank-and-file wrestlers, No. 7 Takayasu and No. 15 Atamifuji, tied for the lead at 6-1.
Matching Takakeisho's powerful opening charge with a strong drive of his own, Shodai (3-4) weathered a pair of hard face slaps before shoving the three-time Emperor's Cup winner over the edge.
"Everything came together well from the initial charge," Shodai said. "My record (after seven days) isn't great, but I'll keep doing my best."
Fellow kadoban ozeki Kirishima was the only member of the trio at sumo's second-highest rank to add to his win total, making quick work of No. 3 Tamawashi after ozeki debutant Hoshoryu went down to new komusubi Nishikigi.
Kirishima stayed one win off the pace at 5-2, barely breaking a sweat as he thrust down the floundering Tamawashi (0-7).
Hoshoryu's struggles at the tournament continued as he dropped to 3-4 with the loss to problem opponent Nishikigi (4-3).
The new komusubi remained a thorn in Hoshoryu's side, winning his third straight meeting with the 24-year-old Mongolian star after denying him a belt grip and pushing him out.
Sekiwake Wakamotoharu stayed in touch with the leaders at 5-2 by forcing out No. 1 Hokutofuji (4-3). The two other sekiwake went head to head, with Daieisho (3-4) earning a much-needed win by thrusting down newly promoted Kotonowaka (4-3).