Joint overnight leaders Terunofuji and Mitakeumi both racked up their 10th wins on Wednesday to remain neck and neck at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
Sekiwake Mitakeumi forced out struggling ozeki Shodai before lone grand champion Terunofuji outmuscled Mongolian No. 5 maegashira Chiyoshoma in Day 11's final bout at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
A day after relinquishing the outright lead with his loss to No. 4 Hokutofuji, Mitakeumi (10-1) bounced back with a strong showing against the embattled Shodai (4-7), who must win his remaining four bouts to avoid being a demotion-threatened kadoban ozeki at the next meet.