Rank-and-filer Midorifuji held his own against Bulgarian Aoiyama and has a one-win lead at the midway point of the 15-day tournament.
With grand champion Terunofuji sidelined with knee injuries, lone ozeki Takakeisho is the tournament's highest-ranked wrestler.
Rank-and-filer Abi defeated Takayasu and Takakeisho in the playoff to secure the title. It was the first three-way playoff since March 1994.
Mongolian grappler Hoshoryu used an impressive arm throw to fend off sumo's Flying Monkey, improving to 7-1 in the year's final tournament.
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.
Sumo’s Flying Monkey gave the fans a thrill with the biggest victory of his career on this second day at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Wakatakakage and Takanosho will be looking to challenge the grand champion.
If healthy, the lone yokozuna will be the man to beat, but Mitakeumi and Wakatakakage seek to challenge.
The Fukushima native becomes the first new sekiwake in 86 years to claim the championship.
New ozeki Mitakeumi keeps pace along with sekiwake Wakatakakage and rank-and-filer Kotonowaka.
But as history has shown, unexpected challengers can emerge at any time, especially with several outstanding wrestlers coming up the ranks.
