Surprising No. 17 maegashira Tokushoryu, the lowest ranked wrestler in the upper-most makuuchi division, took the lead into the final day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament after winning a showdown of the tournament leaders on the 14th day on Saturday at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Tokushoryu defeated rival No. 4 maegashira Shodai as the key bout of the day came rather early -- it was the ninth of the 19 makuuchi bouts and preceded even the arrival of the Emperor and Empress and their daughter Princess Aiko into the arena.
Tokushoryu was forced to the edge of the dohyo by Shodai, but managed to get out of the predicament and push his opponent down with his left arm to improve to 13-1. Shodai dropped to 12-2.
A victory by Tokushoryu on the final day would mark only the second time in sumo history that the lowest wrestler in the rankings has come away win the Emperor's Cup. At the Spring tournament in March 2000, Takatoriki won the title as a No. 14 maegashira, which was the lowest rank at that tournament.
If Tokushoryu loses and Shodai wins, it will leave them with two losses each and force a playoff.
Meanwhile, ozeki Takakeisho's title hopes ended when he was dealt a crucial third loss by sekiwake Asanoyama.
Takakeisho appeared to have a stronger charge on the initial jump off, but Asanoyama (9-5) endured a pushing attack before twice attempting to throw the ozeki -- he was successful on the second try.
For Asanoyama, he remained in line for 10 wins in the tourney, a goal he set before the basho to firm up his position in a run for promotion to ozeki.
Popular No. 5 maegashira Enho (8-6) was dealt his sixth defeat by komusubi Daieisho (6-8), who managed to chase him out as the 99-kilogram mighty mite continually tried to dodge his attacks.
Meanwhile in the second-tier juryo division, former ozeki Terunofuji, who clinched the division championship the previous day, was dealt his first loss when the No. 13 juryo was forced out by No. 4 juryo Nishikigi.
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