Yokozuna Kakuryu survived a scare to remain unbeaten and tied for the lead on Saturday, the seventh day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
After a string of comprehensive wins, the Mongolian was forced back to the straw after a strong initial slapping barrage by No. 3 Takakeisho (3-4). But the maegashira was unable to finish what he started, as Kakuryu escaped and drove him back across the ring and out.
Kakuryu has been dealing with pain in his right hand since the New Year Basho, where he opened with 10 straight wins before being slowed by injury. The win leaves the yokozuna tied for the lead at Edion Arena Osaka with No. 6 maegashira Kaisei. Two other wrestlers are a win back at 6-1.