Yokozuna Terunofuji found his way out of a tight spot to remain unbeaten with two other wrestlers on Thursday, the fifth day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.
Terunofuji, who entered the 15-day event at Fukuoka Kokusai Center as the sport's lone yokozuna, improved to 5-2 in seven career bouts against Takanosho (2-3).
A well-timed blow to the yokozuna's throat prevented Terunofuji from grabbing his favorite left-handed over-arm hold from the get-go. That allowed Takanosho to yank on his opponent's arm and nearly pull him out of the ring.