No. 7 maegashira Takayasu and No. 15 Atamifuji won to secure winning records after nine days of action at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday, with No. 16 Tsurugisho in pursuit with two defeats as they seek their maiden Emperor's Cup.
Takayasu (8-1) had little trouble in forcing out Kotoeko (2-7) after the former ozeki's opening two-handed push and ensuing shoves gave the No. 8 rank-and-filer little breathing space at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
"I'm trying not to rush things or back off, and wrestle in a positive way," Takayasu said of his performance at the 15-day tournament so far.