Yokozuna Musashimaru was tossed to his second defeat Thursday but ozeki Chiyotaikai and sekiwake Asashoryu had little trouble disposing of their opponents to remain in a tie for the lead at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.
The Samoan-born grand champion appeared to have the edge against Wakanosato when he wrapped the sekiwake up with a one-handed belt grip at the start of the day's final bout at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium.
Wakanosato (9-3), however, sidestepped to the left while sweeping his hands across the back of the burly yokozuna for a slap-down that sent Musashimaru tumbling into the ring seats.
With the loss, Musashimaru dropped to 10-2 and fell a pace behind co-leaders Chiyotaikai and Asashoryu, both at 11-1.