Lone yokozuna Terunofuji had to dig deep Monday to stay undefeated at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, overcoming dangerous No. 1 maegashira Daieisho with a reversal at the edge of the ring.
The favorite to win his first tournament since becoming sumo's only active yokozuna, following Hakuho's retirement, Terunofuji had already fought a tough opening-day battle against komusubi Kiribayama.
The 29-year-old powerhouse needed his strength and composure again in the final bout of Day 2 at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, holding on for a gutsy victory after being pushed to the brink.