Saucy Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu made mincemeat of Hokutoriki to take sole possession of the lead on the sixth day of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Friday.
The 22-year-old bruiser from Ulan Bator is the only wrestler with a 6-0 record after overnight co-leader Tamanoshima was blasted out by makuuchi division debutant Kakizoe in an earlier bout in the 15-day meet at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Elsewhere, yokozuna hopeful Kaio bounced back from defeat by tipping over Tokitsuumi but fellow ozeki Chiyotakiai's title hopes were dented after he was handed his second straight defeat at the hands of komusubi Tosanoumi. Four wrestlers including Kaio are one win off the pace at 5-1.