Top-ranked maegashira Kisenosato played spoiler on Asashoryu's comeback by handing the Mongolian yokozuna a shocking first loss on the second day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday.
Back from a two-tournament suspension Asashoryu, watched from the sidelines as compatriot Hakuho made it two wins out of two with an easy win over Tokitenku but was unable to follow suit in the day's finale at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Kisenosato (2-0) came into the bout buoyed by Sunday's giant-killing defeat of ozeki Chiyotaikai and the 21-year-old upstart oozed class again as he escaped a headlock and sent the yokozuna spinning out of the ring.