Yokozuna Hakuho survived a scare against Endo on Monday and celebrated a win on his 34th birthday on the second day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
In the day's penultimate bout at Edion Arena Osaka, top-ranked maegashira Endo (0-2) had Hakuho on the ropes, but the Mongolian yokozuna turned his opponent around and nearly sent him off as he gained some distance.
Hakuho, seeking a record-extending 42nd top division title, quickly seized the opportunity and pushed Endo out to keep his perfect record.