The fate of the Emperor's Cup was cast into further uncertainty as sekiwake Takakeisho and two others posted their eighth wins to join the leaders' pack on the 10th day of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan. Five wrestlers are now tied for the lead with eight wins.
Takakeisho, who defeated No. 4 maegashira Shodai (2-8) by pushing him down to the dirt, needs two more wins to return to the rank of ozeki in the next tournament.
Sekiwake Mitakeumi faced the power of No. 4 maegashira Tamawashi (5-5), but managed to slap Tamawashi down at the edge of the ring. The initial call in favor of Mitakeumi was contested on the grounds that he grabbed his opponent's topknot, but the objection was overruled and the sekiwake earned his eighth win.
No. 2 maegashira Asanoyama also joined the leaders' pack. Asanoyama bulldozed No. 6 maegashira Shimanoumi (3-7), instantly forcing him over the bales.
The two leaders before the start of the 10th day suffered losses to stay at eight wins.
No. 10 maegashira Meisei initially dominated his bout by securing his opponent's belt with his left hand. He was poised to throw down No. 14 maegashira Tsurugisho (7-3) with his left arm, but Tsurugisho suddenly overpowered him with his own right arm throw while on the edge of the ring.
No. 8 maegashira Okinoumi (8-2) turned back the charge of No. 10 maegashira Sadanoumi (5-5), but was forced down near the bales.
The two ozeki in the tourney saw mixed results. They currently hold kadoban status, meaning they need to post at least eight wins to keep the rank of ozeki.
Goeido was pushed out by komusubi Abi (6-4) to suffer his fourth loss of the tourney, while Tochinoshin forced out No. 5 maegashira Chiyotairyu (2-8) after a lengthy bout to earn his fifth win.
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