Sixth-ranked maegashira Abi defeated yokozuna Terunofuji on Saturday, handing a one-win lead to sekiwake Mitakeumi ahead of the final day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.

Starting the day one win back of the leaders with a 10-3 record in the 15-day tourney at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, Abi launched a decisive opening charge en route to a huge win over the yokozuna. Abi and Terunofuji are now tied at 11-3 along with No. 14 youngster Kotonowaka.

Having improved to 12-2 with an easy win, Mitakeumi will go in search of his third career championship on Sunday, when he takes on the yokozuna. Terunofuji will need a final-day victory and then a win in a championship playoff that could involve up to three wrestlers to secure his third straight grand tournament championship.