Sekiwake Tamawashi (11-2) moved into sole possession of the lead on the 13th day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo, while yokozuna Hakuho (10-3) suffered his third consecutive loss at Ryogoku Kokugikan on Friday.
In the final bout of the day, sekiwake Takakeisho (10-3), winner of the previous Kyushu tournament in November, pulled down Hakuho after the two exchanged slaps after the jump-off. Takakeisho kept his hopes alive for a second consecutive title.
Earlier, Tamawashi slapped down No. 2 maegashira Hokutofuji (7-6), and Hakuho and Takakeisho have just two days to chase him down.
Meanwhile, komusubi Mitakeumi, who has defeated three yokozuna and an ozeki during this basho, forced out No. 1 maegashira Ichinojo (6-7) to notch his kachikoshi eighth win and retain his current rank, despite missing three bouts (Days 8-10) because of an injury to his left leg.
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