Terunofuji dodged a bullet to score a hard-fought win over maegashira Aoiyama in his ozeki debut Sunday, the opening day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.

Tournament favorite Hakuho got more than he bargained for against Takarafuji in the day's final bout at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium but also prevailed to complete a sweep for yokozuna after Kakuryu and Harumafuji posted opening-day wins.

Out to the prove his stunning championship victory in May was no fluke, Terunofuji looked like he was in trouble when he was knocked back by the Bulgarian at the charge and then nearly lost his footing as he surged forward to counter.