TOKYO (UPI) - Grand champion Wakanohana marched a step closer to the title in the 15-day autumn sumo tournament Friday by easily defeating Fusanishiki for a 12-1 record.
    The 31-year-old grand champion leaped to the right as the dark, 23 year-old Fusanishiki charged with his head down, Wakanohana quickly pulled down his hands, and Fusanishiki went sprawling.
    Grand champion Tochinishiki, shooting for his second straight title, kept right on Wakanohana's heels by winning over Wakahaguro for his 11th victory against two losses.
    Atagoyama was matched against Annenyama, considerably higher in rank, but pushed relentlessly to score an upset win. He thereby maintained an 11-2 record along with Tochinishiki to be in the running for the title.
    Tochinishiki's understudy, Tochihikari, lost his chance for promotion to champion when he was upset by Kitabayama in a hard-fought bout. It was Tochihikari's fifth defeat against eight wins.