Former ozeki Takayasu has been in this position before and will need to stay strong over the second week of the Autumn Basho to win his...
Mongolian sekiwake Hoshoryu also virtually secured promotion to sumo's second-highest rank of ozeki for September’s tournament.
The 29-year-old Mongolian was ensured of his fifth title when Myogiryu lost an earlier bout.
Terunofuji loses for the first time in his debut at the sport’s highest rank.
At the halfway point, the new yokozuna is firmly in control and appears on his way to a 15-0 record.
By beating Takakeisho in a playoff, the 29-year-old Mongolian could be promoted to sumo’s highest rank for the July tournament in Nagoya.
How much longer will Hakuho and Kakuryu hold off on retirement as injuries take their toll?