Hokutoriki easily overpowered Iwakiyama on Friday to remain in the sole lead at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament.
Top maegashira Hokutoriki got both arms around No. 6 maegashira Iwakiyama shortly after the face off and muscled his opponent out to improve to 12-1 heading into the final two days of the 15-day tourney. Iwakiyama dropped to 9-4.
Hokutoriki is bidding for his first Emperor's Cup but will have to contend with grand champion Asashoryu, who remained one win off the pace with a solid victory over struggling ozeki Musoyama.