Ozeki Kotozakura and new komusubi Onosato head into the final weekend of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in a two-way tie for the lead after improving to 10-3 on Friday.
Kotozakura defeated one of four joint overnight leaders, 10th-ranked maegashira Shonannoumi, while Onosato was too strong for former komusubi Ura on Day 13 at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
The other overnight leader, 14th-ranked maegashira Oshoma, surrendered his place at the top with a loss to sekiwake Wakamotoharu.
Ozeki Hoshoryu is among five wrestlers on the second rung of the leaderboard at 9-4 after manhandling No. 6 maegashira Midorifuji (5-8).
Shonannoumi (9-4) was left shaking his head after charging straight into a pulling overarm throw by Kotozakura. The ozeki shifted to the right at the jump and sent the maegashira tumbling to the clay from behind.
Aiming to become the fastest first-time Emperor's Cup winner, Onosato showcased his strength and explosiveness in a one-sided battle with fifth-ranked maegashira Ura (6-7). The powerful 23-year-old rocked his opponent as he reached down for a leg pick, then bulldozed him off the dohyo.
Wakamotoharu (4-6-3), already consigned to a losing record after a four-day injury absence, prevented the Mongolian-born Oshoma (9-4) from locking in a belt grip before shoving him over the straw bales.
Sekiwake Abi (9-4) kept his place on the leaderboard at the 15-day tournament by thrusting down fifth-ranked maegashira Meisei (8-5).
Exciting young No. 1 maegashira Atamifuji (6-7) staved off a losing record while handing fifth-ranked maegashira Onosho (5-8) a decisive eighth defeat via slap down.
Related coverage:
Sumo: Abi's win over Shonannoumi leaves 4 tied in Summer tourney lead
Sumo: Onosato beaten as No. 10 maegashira Shonannoumi takes sole lead
Sumo: Veteran Takayasu knocks ozeki Kotozakura off top of leaderboard
