OSAKA (Kyodo) -- Former ozeki Takayasu took a giant step toward a long-coveted first Emperor's Cup on Friday after taking sole lead at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament following a loss by joint-leader ozeki Onosato.

No. 4 maegashira Takayasu (11-2), who wrestled at the second highest rank between July 2017 and November 2019, came up with a fiery display at Edion Arena Osaka producing tireless shoves against Wakamotoharu (7-6) before thrusting the No. 1 maegashira out of the ring during the 13th day of action.

Onosato (10-3) failed to keep up the pace as he kept backpedaling trying to dodge Oho (5-8) before getting pushed out by the new sekiwake.

Three wrestlers who entered the day with three losses all suffered defeats to take a further step back in the title race.

No. 6 maegashira Takerufuji (9-4) charged forward but lacked power before getting slapped down by Kotozakura (8-5) as the demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki secured the required eight wins to retain his place at the second-highest rank.

No. 7 maegashira Tamawashi (9-4) fended off incessant pushes from Churanoumi (9-4) and was initially given a win after pushing down the No. 14 maegashira at the edge, but the decision was overturned with the veteran stepping out first.

Elite makuuchi division debutant Aonishiki (9-4) from Ukraine failed to rattle sekiwake Daieisho (9-4) and the No. 15 maegashira was quickly slapped down in the middle of the ring.