Akebono shoves out Takatoriki. Associated Press

Three other wrestlers, including Musashimaru, or Fiamalu Penitani of Hawaii, shared the lead with five wins.

Akebono stepped forward and pushed out Takatoriki with his trademark hand thrusts. Takatoriki fell to 1-4.

Musashimaru resisted Mitoizumi's strong push at the edge of the ring, then grabbed his loin cloth and bulldozed him out.

Konishiki, or Salevaa Atisanoe of Hawaii, used his enormous belly to bump out Minatofuji (1-4) for his second victory against three defeats.

Takanonami, also 5-0, downed Aogiyama, who remained winless.

Grand champion Takanohana remained just one victory behind. Takanohana, seeking his fourth tournament title, pushed out Terao (2-3) after chasing him around the ring.

In the 26-member Juryo division, Sunahama, or William Hopkins, was pushed out by Kanechika for his third defeat against two victories.

Yamato, or George Kalima, shoved out Kyokutenho for his third victory against two losses.

In Makushita, the top junior division, Nanfu, or Kaleo Kekauoha, was shoved out by Wakakosho and suffered his second defeat against one victory.

In Jonidan, just below Sandanme, Koryu, or Eric Gasper, was thrown out by Toyotome, to fall to 1-2.