Another victory back, at 7-2, were Musashimaru from Hawaii and fellow ozeki (champion) Wakanohana.

Takanohana, seeking his 15th tournament title and fourth in a row, grabbed Kotonowaka's belt and easily forced him out.

Akebono, or Chad Rowan, bulldozed out Kenko with hand thrusts to the throat.

Musashimaru grabbed Asahiyutaka's belt and crushed him down after fighting off his foe's leg tricks and arm throw attempts.

Wakanohana, elder brother of Takanohana, held off Kotonishiki's driving attempt at the ring's edge and twisted him down.

No. 4 maegashira Konishiki, or Salevaa Fuauli Atisanoe from Hawaii, suffered his seventh defeat against two victories as he was pulled down by Akinoshima (6-3), who sidestepped Konishiki's opening charge.

In the 26-member juryo division, No. 4-ranked Yamato, or Hawaii's George Kalima, was thrown down by Tochiazuma after a one-minute, 40-second struggle. Yamato is 6-3.

No. 9 ranked Sunahama, or Hawaii's William Hopkins, was toppled by Wakanojo (6-3) for his fourth defeat against five victories.

In makushita, the top junior division, No. 15-ranked Daiki (4-1), or Hawaii's Percy Kipapa, forced out Sentoryu.