Yokozuna Terunofuji had no trouble winning his third straight bout to open the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday while ozeki Shodai and Takakeisho suffered defeats.
Attempting to secure his third straight championship since getting promoted to the ancient sport's highest rank, Terunofuji was at his commanding best in brushing aside No. 1 maegashira Kiribayama (0-3) at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Terunofuji easily seized a left overarm belt hold off the initial charge and instantly forced his counterpart to the edge before showing no mercy in swiveling him off the raised ring.