Joint overnight leaders Terunofuji and Mitakeumi suffered upsets at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday, dropping back into a three-way tie for the lead with Abi at 10 wins and two losses apiece.
Lone yokozuna Terunofuji fell to komusubi Meisei, while sekiwake Mitakeumi was defeated by No. 5 maegashira Onosho on Day 12 at Ryogoku Kokugikan. No. 5 Abi, meanwhile, racked up an impressive win against sekiwake Takanosho.
After being denied a belt grip from the jump, Terunofuji looked to drive the backpedaling Meisei (5-7) out over the straw. But the komusubi dodged to the side and used Terunofuji's momentum to swing the six-time grand tournament winner out of the ring with an under-shoulder grip.