NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- Sekiwake Aonishiki clinched his return to the second-highest rank of ozeki with 10 wins while moving into the sole lead at the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on Wednesday.

Ozeki Kirishima, No. 7 maegashira Kotoeiho, No. 7 maegashira Takayasu, No. 13 maegashira Takerufuji and No. 14 maegashira Shishi finished Day 11 at IG Arena one win off the pace at 9-2.

Ukrainian young star Aonishiki (10-1) forced out No. 2 maegashira Gonoyama (5-6) in their first career meeting after maintaining a belt hold from the opening exchange.

"Continuing to believe in myself was the most important thing," Aonishiki said. "I was able to secure 10 wins with the support of my stablemaster, his wife and everyone around me."

Aonishiki suffered his first losing record at 7-8 in March and sat out the entire May tournament, for which he was ranked as a demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki, due to left ankle issues. The 22-year-old needed 10 wins to earn automatic re-promotion.

Kirishima opened with a powerful slap and forced out No. 4 maegashira Ichiyamamoto (5-6).

Shishi crushed out overnight leader Kotoeiho in a lengthy battle.

Yokozuna Onosato (6-5) was defeated by sekiwake Atamifuji (8-3) via frontal push out.

The other yokozuna, Hoshoryu (7-4), overpowered sekiwake Kotoshoho (4-7) by armlock throw in the closing bout of the day.

Kadoban ozeki Kotozakura (6-5) pushed down No. 5 maegashira Ura (4-7). After a losing record in May, Kotozakura needs eight wins at this meet to stay at the second-highest rank.