Sekiwake Shodai won a crucial showdown against ozeki Takakeisho to retain a share of the lead with newcomer Tobizaru on Friday, the 13th day of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Shodai (11-2), seeking his first championship, withstood consistent early pressure from Takakeisho (10-3), and his initial counter was easily dealt with by the ozeki, but his second — a strong and timely shove with his left — saw the ozeki lose his footing and hit the sandy surface.
"I didn't get beat on the initial charge, it was a really good lunge off the start," said the 28-year-old sekiwake. "I'm not thinking about the championship at all, even at this point. Curiously. I believe my past experience will help me."