Takayasu stayed one win clear atop the leaderboard Sunday at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, grinding out a victory over fellow rank-and-file grappler Wakamotoharu.
Fighting as a No. 7 maegashira, former ozeki Takayasu became the first wrestler to secure a winning record for the 15-day tournament at Edion Arena Osaka by improving to 8-0 on Day 8.
Ozeki Mitakeumi, sekiwake Wakatakakage and No. 6 Kotonowaka each picked up a win to remain tied for second at 7-1.