Asashoryu floored Kotoshogiku to stay on course for his 25th Emperor's Cup at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Friday.
The Mongolian firebrand (6-0) retained his share of the lead with fellow yokozuna Hakuho and maegashira Yoshikaze, but Chiyotaikai's umpteenth bid to save his ozeki rank took a fresh hit with a fourth consecutive loss.
Asashoryu once again proved an immovable object at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, fending off Kotoshogiku's (3-3) attempt to gain control of his belt and sending the No. 2 maegashira tumbling to the clay surface.
Hakuho was equally impressive in the day's finale, getting a firm left-handed grip on Goeido's (2-4) belt to set up a textbook pulling overarm throw and make it eight wins in eight against the komusubi.
Chiyotaikai gained the early momentum against Aminishiki (3-3), but paid for a moment of hesitancy and got twisted around and bumped out by the top-ranked maegashira.
Kaio leveled his mark at 3-3 after huffing and puffing his way past No. 2 maegashira Tokitenku (1-5), and Harumafuji (3-3) also bounced back from defeat the previous day by bulldozing komusubi Kisenosato out to a fourth loss.
Bulgarian grappler Kotooshu wrapped up Takekaze (2-4) with a bear hug to remain one win off the pace but Kotomitsuki (3-3) hit the dirt just before Bushuyama (3-3) stepped outside the ring in his first meeting with the third-ranked maegashira.
Estonian giant Baruto (4-2) claimed sekiwake bragging rights by lifting out Mongolian Kakuryu (2-4) and calmly plopping him over the ridge.
Yoshikaze (6-0), a No. 9 maegashira, showed nifty footwork to thrust down sixth-ranked Mongolian Kyokutenho (2-4).
