Sole yokozuna Terunofuji earned a solid win on Tuesday, the third day of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament, a day after an upset defeat knocked him from the leading group.
Unable to get a belt hold from the get-go, the yokozuna locked up No. 2 maegashira Kotonowaka's arms, and used his leverage to force him backward. Kotonowaka (1-2) tried to slip away and outflank the yokozuna, but Terunofuji kept his opponent squarely in front of him and shoved him out.
Mitakeumi, wrestling as demotion-threatened kadoban ozeki in need of eight wins here to preserve his spot in the sport's second-highest rank, suffered his first defeat.