Fan-favorite No. 1 maegashira Endo brought Ryogoku Kokugikan to its feet on Monday with a stunning upset of yokozuna Hakuho on the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament's second day.
It was the second yokozuna scalp for Endo at the 15-day tourney. Coming off a win over Mongolian yokozuna Kakuryu on Day 1, the 29-year-old dodged Hakuho's opening charge. Although Hakuho quickly reacted, he appeared to go into panic mode and three times failed to execute a throw.
On the final try, Hakuho (1-1) lost his balance and fell over backward. Cushions flung from the stands rained down upon the raised ring, while the crowd stood and chanted Endo's name.