Veteran Takayasu continued to play giant killer as he knocked ozeki Kotozakura off the top of the leaderboard at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday.
Fighting as a No. 3 maegashira, the 34-year-old former ozeki pulled off the upset in the final bout of Day 10 at Ryogoku Kokugikan, securing a strong belt grip and moving Kotozakura around the ring before dropping him with an overarm throw.
"I was able to get the result nicely. It felt really good to win in front of so many people," said Takayasu (4-1-5), who sat out six days with a back injury before marking his return with victory over ozeki Hoshoryu on Monday.
He has won all four of the bouts he has contested, each against an opponent from the three distinguished "sanyaku" ranks below yokozuna.
Dropping to 7-3, Kotozakura fell one win behind the leading trio of new komosubi Onosato, No. 10 maegashira Shonannoumi and 16th-ranked maegashira Takarafuji at 8-2.
Onosato was in control from the outset as he earned his all-important eighth victory against No. 2 maegashira Gonoyama (4-6), driving him back and pushing him down at the edge.
Aiming to become the fastest first-time winner of an Emperor's Cup, the 23-year-old rising star got back on track after losing the previous day to the other No. 2 maegashira, Hiradoumi (4-6).
"I didn't perform winning sumo yesterday, so I had to make sure I won today," Onosato said. "Securing a winning record was one of my goals. I want to stay focused for the remaining five days."
No. 7 maegashira Mitakeumi (7-3) gave up his share of the lead with a loss to eighth-ranked maegashira Kotoshoho (7-3).
Hoshoryu stayed two wins back at 6-4 by defeating fifth-ranked maegashira Onosho (4-6) with a pulling overarm throw.
Related coverage:
Sumo: Kotozakura takes share of lead as Onosato suffers upset loss
Sumo: Hoshoryu drives Ura from Summer tourney lead
Sumo: Ura's defeat leaves 5 wrestlers tied for Summer tourney lead
