Komusubi Takakeisho continued his impressive run, and ozeki Takayasu stayed right on his heels on Friday's Day 13 of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, both winning to set up a showdown today in Fukuoka.
The 22-year-old komusubi had a scare before narrowly beating bulky No. 12 maegashira Aoiyama to collect his 12th victory.
Takayasu overpowered No. 9 maegashira Daieisho to improve to 11-2.
Takakeisho will clinch his first title with a day to spare if he wins the match today.
The 175-centimeter-tall komusubi exchanged a number of thrusts in his tussle with 191-centimeter Aoiyama, who is about 30 kilograms heavier.
Takakeisho gradually had to retreat toward the edge of the ring, but Aoiyama lost balance during his move and collapsed to the surface as Takakeisho seemed to nudge him with his hand at exactly the right moment to help send his larger opponent down.
Takayasu was energetic from the start in his match, going on the offensive right after the jump-off against Daieisho.
The maegashira endured the ozeki's thrusts and slaps, but Takayasu remained aggressive until the end to push his opponent out of the ring.
Other than the two front runners, only No. 11 maegashira Okinoumi (10-3), who beat No. 7 Shohozan, has a mathematical chance of winning the title.
Meanwhile, ozeki Tochinoshin edged closer to posting a majority of wins, beating No. 6 maegashira Takanoiwa to improve to 7-6.
Earlier, popular No. 12 maegashira Endo beat No. 6 maegashira Kagayaki to notch his kachikoshi eighth win.
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