Bulgarian Kotooshu overpowered Iwakiyama on Monday to remain undefeated and in sole possession of the lead at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.
Bulgarian sekiwake Kotooshu throws down No. 4 maegashira Iwakiyama for an undefeated 9-0
record Monday in the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Kotooshu came charging out of the blocks at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan and forced No. 4 maegashira Iwakiyama to the edge of the ring where he used an arm throw to send his opponent out.
Sekiwake Kotooshu improved to 9-0 while Iwakiyama dropped to 4-5.
In the day's final bout, grand champion Asashoryu of Mongolia stayed one win off the pace at 8-1 when he got a grip of compatriot Kyokushuzan's belt after the faceoff and calmly lifted the No. 4 maegashira over the ridge.
Asashoryu is gunning for his sixth straight Emperor's Cup and 14th overall. Kyokushuzan, who was unable to mount any challenge against the yokozuna grappler, dropped to 4-5.
Lower-ranked wrestler Kisenosato defeated rank-and-filer Kotonowaka earlier and also stands at 8-1.
In other major bouts, ozeki Chiyotaikai used his trademark arm thrusts to send fan favorite Takamisakari out over the straw ridge.
Chiyotaikai, who needs a winning record in this tournament to maintain his ozeki status, improved to 6-3 while No. 5 maegashira Takamisakari dropped to 3-6.
Ozeki Tochiazuma got a grip of Futeno's belt and shoved the komusubi grappler out to improve to 7-2.