Komusubi Takayasu fell to No. 2 maegashira Wakatakakage and relinquished his sole lead as resurgent Terunofuji joined him with his 10th win on Friday, the 13th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
Takayasu could have taken a giant stride toward his maiden title with a win but the former ozeki was handed a damaging blow instead by Wakatakakage (9-4), who entered the day on the back of five straight wins and added another to stay in the title chase himself at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Takayasu looked to use his advantage in size as he aimed his thrusts against his leaner opponent but failed to lock him up and was repeatedly outflanked by the nimble Wakatakakge, who maintained his balance despite a credible effort by Takayasu to slap him down.