Yokozuna Terunofuji earned his fourth straight victory Thursday to stay one win back of the two rank-and-file leaders after five days of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament.
Terunofuji, who is coming back from injuries in March to his left knee and right heel, beat No. 3 maegashira Hokutofuji (1-4) for the ninth time in 12 career makuuchi bouts.
Sumo's sole yokozuna advanced steadily from the get-go as Hokutofuji gave ground in an effort to avoid surrendering a belt hold. The maegashira, however, simply ran out of room. His arms immobilized, he was forced over backward, doing the splits as he hit the sandy surface.