Kotoshogiku rebounded from a first loss the previous day with a demolition of Tokitenku to get his ozeki promotion bid back on course on the ninth day of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday.
Kotoshogiku improved to an 8-1 mark to stay hot on the heals of lone yokozuna Hakuho, who claimed the sole lead as the only wrestler still undefeated at 9-0 with six days remaining at the 15-day meet.
Rival sekiwake Kisenosato, meanwhile, had a chance to pull off a big win against Estonian goliath Baruto to stay in a share of the lead but was brought back to earth after being tossed over the edge by the ozeki with an overarm throw for his first defeat.