Komusubi Takayasu was knocked off track with his Day 11 loss at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Wednesday in Tokyo, and that certainly brought him down to earth.
Ozeki Shodai (6-5) rocked the komusubi off his spot at the jump-off and kept up his attack, grabbing Takayasu's belt and spinning the tournament leader to the surface of the dohyo for a loss that gives a trailing trio of 8-3 wrestlers a chance to come back and snatch the Emperor's Cup this weekend at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Takayasu (9-2) is looking for his first tournament championship in the uppermost makuuchi division and still leads ozeki Asanoyama, sekiwake Terunofuji and No. 8 maegashira Tobizaru by one victory. Takayasu has been in the running for a tournament title numerous times in his career, but hasn't been able to finish on top.
Takayasu, whose only other loss of this run came on opening day, takes on No. 2 maegashira Hokutofuji (7-4) on Thursday. Hokutofuji looked strong in overpowering komusubi Mitakeumi (5-6) on Wednesday for an easy win.
Sekiwake Terunofuji, who suffered a stinging loss the previous day as he tries to battle his way back up to the ozeki rank, returned to form with a quick victory over fellow sekiwake Takanosho (6-5).
Terunofuji used the slight advantage he gained at the start-off to latch onto his opponent's right arm from the side. The Mongolian then used a belt grip to escort Takanosho to the edge of the ring and out for his kachikoshi eighth victory of the basho. Terunofuji faces No. 6 maegashira Tamawashi on Thursday.
Meanwhile, ozeki Takakeisho, who needs a majority of wins to retain his rank, slapped and pushed his was past No. 4 maegashira Kiribayama (4-7) to pick up his seventh victory. A win on Thursday over No. 5 maegashira Okinoumi would allow him to remain at ozeki.
In Wednesday's final bout, ozeki Asanoyama eased No. 4 maegashira Myogiryu (5-6) across the ring and out to stay one win off the lead pace.
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