New yokozuna Terunofuji had his biggest scare so far at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament but secured his eighth straight win on Sunday, grinding out a force-out victory over No. 4 maegashira Tamawashi.
The undefeated sole leader secured a winning record for the tournament but was more than tested by veteran Tamawashi (3-5), who moved to his left at the initial charge and, with a hand on Terunofuji's throat, had the yokozuna tottering at the straw.
But Terunofuji held on, grabbed underarm belt holds with both hands and swung Tamawashi around to suddenly gain the advantage before nonchalantly forcing the maegashira out at Ryogoku Kokugikan.