Ozeki Kotozakura grabbed a share of the lead Monday at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament after rising star Onosato blew a chance to take sole ownership of first place.
Kotozakura held off No. 5 maegashira Onosho following komusubi Onosato's upset loss to second-ranked maegashira Hiradoumi, creating a five-way tie atop the leaderboard at 7-2.
The three other wrestlers tied for the lead are No. 7 maegashira Mitakeumi and 10th-ranked Shonannoumi, both winners on Day 9, and 16th-ranked Takarafuji, who lost after starting the day in a two-way tie with Onosato.
Third-ranked maegashira Takayasu, meanwhile, made a splash in his return from the injured list by beating ozeki Hoshoryu in the final bout of the day at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
The 23-year-old Onosato, aiming to become the fastest first-time winner of an Emperor's Cup, could not hold his ground as Hiradoumi (4-5) attacked quickly from a low angle for a push-out victory.
Kotozakura withstood a strong opening charge from former komusubi Onosho (4-5) before thrusting him down at the edge.
Returning to action after missing six bouts with a back injury, veteran former ozeki Takayasu (3-1-5) showed his grappling prowess in dispatching Mongolian star Hoshoryu (5-4) with a beltless arm throw.
"I wanted to go forward and I was able to get the left-hand grip and an inside position," said Takayasu, who improved to 9-2 against Hoshoryu for his career.
Sekiwake Abi (5-4) fell victim to No. 4 maegashira Oho (4-5), who has also beaten two ozeki at the 15-day tournament.
Related coverage:
Sumo: Hoshoryu drives Ura from Summer tourney lead
Sumo: Ura's defeat leaves 5 wrestlers tied for Summer tourney lead
Sumo: Ozeki Kirishima to be demoted after pulling out of Summer meet
