Ozeki Chiyotaikai fell for Mongolian rank-and-filer Tokitenku's antics hook, line and sinker to drop out of sole possession of the lead on the 10th day of action of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday.
Chiyotaikai suffered a second defeat and now shares the lead at 8-2 with Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho, ozeki Kotomitsuki and maegashira wrestler Baruto of Estonia with five days remaining in the 15-day meet. Seven wrestlers trail with three losses.
The day's premier bout was over before it even started when Tokitenku (7-3), a third-ranked maegashira, moved slyly to his left side immediately after the faceoff to send Chiyotaikai sprawling at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
Hakuho, meanwhile, manhandled Kyokutenho (2-8), forcing out the No. 4 maegashira with a textbook frontal takeout after applying a powerful right-handed grip.
Hakuho won the autumn basho in September and is aiming for his fifth title here in the absence of suspension-hit grand champion Asashoryu.
Ozeki Kotomitsuki got in for a right-handed grip against Mongolian sekiwake Asasekiryu (3-7) before tossing his opponent to the dohyo surface with an overarm throw.