Sekiwake Terunofuji secured his 11th win and took sole possession of the lead on the 14th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday after komusubi Takayasu's dream of a maiden Emperor's Cup slipped further away with a second straight defeat.
Terunofuji, who has all but secured his return to the second-highest rank of ozeki for the first time since 2017, was at his composed best as he forced out ozeki Asanoyama (9-5) at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Terunofuji reacted well to a surprise opening by Asanoyama, who charged with both hands thrust forward to keep the sekiwake at a distance. But the ploy only worked in favor of Terunofuji, whose left overarm belt hold proved decisive as Asanoyama finally floundered after nearly throwing the Mongolian over the straw bales.