Yokozuna Hakuho was handed a shock first defeat at the hands of rank-and-filer Shotenro, denting his hopes in a bid for a second consecutive title on the sixth day of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Friday.
Fellow Mongolian yokozuna Asashoryu, meanwhile, had to do some quick thinking on the edge to escape sudden death against Aminishiki in the day's final bout but improved to a spotless 6-0.
Asashoryu, who is seeking his 24th career title and first in three meets, shares the lead with Sadogatake stable ozeki duo Kotooshu and Kotomitsuki at the 15-day meet at Ryogoku Kokugikan.