Yokozuna Terunofuji and ozeki Takakeisho maintained their perfect runs Monday, each claiming his ninth straight win at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.
Occupying the ancient sport's highest rank alone for the first time after the retirement of 45-time champion Hakuho, Terunofuji is living up to his top billing as he ousted a tricky opponent in former ozeki Takayasu (5-4) at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
Mongolian-born Terunofuji swiftly secured the right overarm belt hold and showed great strength in forcing the No. 5 maegashira out of the raised ring following a brief standstill, improving to 11-12 head-to-head against Takayasu.