Sumo: Aonishiki takes sole New Year lead as Hoshoryu falls to 4th loss

TOKYO - Ukrainian new ozeki Aonishiki took the outright lead after 12 days at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday as Hoshoryu's hopes for his first title as yokozuna were dealt a severe blow following his fourth defeat.

Aonishiki (10-2) stayed on the front foot throughout against his fellow joint overnight leader Atamifuji (9-3) with the ozeki continuously driving into the big frame of No. 4 maegashira -- weighing 195 kilograms compared to his own 140 -- before claiming a well-earned force-out win.