Harumafuji clung to the lead with a gutsy win over a determined opponent on Saturday, the penultimate day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.

Looking to win his eighth grand sumo title, the Mongolian yokozuna faced a severe challenge by ozeki Goeido (7-7), who forced Harumafuji back to the straw on his initial charge and failed twice to topple him after that at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium.

With the match appeared heading to a stalemate, Harumafuji feinted to his left, Goeido took the bait, shifted his weight that way and was easy prey for a textbook uwatenage overarm throw.