Asanoyama keeps sole lead as Shodai upsets Terunofuji

Former ozeki Asanoyama held onto the outright lead with his seventh straight win, while lone yokozuna Terunofuji suffered his second loss, at the hands of rank-and-file opponent Shodai, Saturday at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.

Asanoyama, currently ranked as a No. 7 maegashira, defeated No. 9 Meisei to remain the only unbeaten competitor through seven days at Ryogoku Kokugikan. He has a one-win buffer over four wrestlers including ozeki Kirishima and sekiwake Kotonowaka.

Injury returnee Terunofuji (5-2) was unable to keep his share of second place as No. 4 Shodai (4-3) turned back the clock in the day’s final bout. The former ozeki was strong off the mark and kept the eight-time Emperor’s Cup winner off balance before crushing him out.