Yokozuna Hakuho moved into a share of the lead with rank-and-filer Miyabiyama on Sunday after handily disposing of Kisenosato at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.
Hakuho gained momentum in his bid for a third consecutive title after Miyabiyama dropped out of sole possession of the lead by suffering his first defeat at the hands of Kyokutenho, leaving the former ozeki in a tie with the yokozuna on 7-1.
Nine wrestlers sit one behind the co-leaders with 6-2 records.