Top-division debutant Takerufuji moved to the brink of a historic championship by defeating sekiwake Wakamotoharu at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Friday.
With two days left at Edion Arena Osaka, the bottom-ranked No. 17 maegashira holds a two-win buffer at 12-1 following his latest victory against an opponent from the distinguished sanyaku ranks below yokozuna.
His nearest rivals at 10-3, ozeki Hoshoryu and No. 5 maegashira Onosato, need Takerufuji to lose both of his remaining bouts, while going undefeated themselves, to rein in the leader.