Grand champion Asashoryu defeated Miyabiyama at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Wednesday to stay tied for the lead with surprising rank-and-filer Ama.
In the day's final bout at Ryogoku Kokugikan, Mongolian Asashoryu twisted down Miyabiyama to improve to 10-1. Sekiwake Miyabiyama fell to 5-6.
In an earlier bout, Mongolian Ama, a No. 6 maegashira, wasted little time when he came bursting out of the blocks and shoved Kisenosato out in a matter of seconds.
Ama jumped to his side at the faceoff and bulldozed the komusubi wrestler out to improve to 10-1. Kisenosato fell to 6-5.
Tochiazuma improved to 7-4 and all but ended Hakuho's hopes for promotion to grand champion when he shoved his fellow ozeki off the raised ring and to his fourth loss of the tournament.
Mongolian Hakuho was hoping to be considered for promotion to sumo's highest ranks, but a maximum of 11 wins won't do the trick.
Komusubi Kokkai put a major dent in Roho's title hopes when he swatted the Russian top maegashira down at the center of the ring.
Kokkai improved to 6-5 while Roho fell to 8-3.
Ozeki Chiyotaikai shoved out No. 3 maegashira Aminishiki to give both wrestlers a record of 8-3.
Sekiwake Kotomitsuki, who was in the hunt for the Emperor's Cup a few days ago, was handed his fourth loss in a row when he was swatted down by No. 2 maegashira Tokitenku.
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