Sumo: Shodai downs Takakeisho, shares lead with Tobizaru at Autumn meet

Sekiwake Shodai won a crucial showdown against ozeki Takakeisho to retain a share of the lead with newcomer Tobizaru on Friday, the 13th day of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan.Shodai (11-2), seeking his first championship, withstood consistent early pressure from Takakeisho (10-3), and his initial counter was easily dealt with by the ozeki, but his second -- a strong and timely shove with his left -- saw the ozeki lose his footing and hit the sandy surface."I didn't get beat on the initial charge, it was a really good lunge off the start," said the 28-year-old sekiwake…READ FULL ARTICLE