The Mongolian-born grand champion has a two-win cushion over a trio of sumo wrestlers as he heads into the second half of the 15-day Nagoya Basho.
Ozeki Takakeisho had his hands full but came out on top on Day 8. Kotoshoho is the other wrestler with seven wins in the 15-day tournament.
With grand champion Terunofuji sidelined with knee injuries, lone ozeki Takakeisho is the tournament's highest-ranked wrestler.
The 37-year-old Mongolian grappler defeated Takayasu to become the oldest championship winner in the modern era.
The No. 8 maegashira is off to his best start ever and is one win ahead of Tamawashi at the 15-day tournament.
The Mongolian is bidding for his eighth Emperor’s Cup and needed all the strength he could muster against the determined komusubi wrestler.
The lone grand champion shrugged off injury concerns and was unbeatable in the second half of the 15-day meet.
Five lower-ranked wrestlers share the lead while Terunofuji is in a large group one win back.