Much more to come from yokozuna Terunofuji after stunning 2021
Just years removed from the unpaid ranks, the 30-year-old is on the path to becoming one of the most successful foreign-born grand champions in the sport's history.
A day after lifting the Emperor's Cup at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, the Mongolian-born grand champion said he wants to match his 2021 haul of four grand tournament titles next year.
Flawless Terunofuji finishes with career-first perfect record
After winning his maiden meet at yokozuna in September, Terunofuji is the first wrestler since 32-time champion Taiho in 1962 to win in his first two tournaments as a grand champion.
Yokozuna Terunofuji overpowered sekiwake Meisei at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday, holding onto the outright lead with a spotless 12-0 record.
The 29-year-old powerhouse holds a one-win buffer over ozeki Takakeisho and No. 15 maegashira Abi, who were both victorious on Day 11 at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
Terunofuji stays perfect, takes sole lead as Takakeisho beaten
The yokozuna hit double-digit wins at the Kyushu Basho as his ozeki rival fell to sekiwake Meisei during Day 10 in Fukuoka.
Terunofuji, Takakeisho continue to cruise with ninth straight wins
Terunofuji is in the hunt for his sixth Emperor's Cup after winning September's Autumn meet as a debutant yokozuna.
Terunofuji and Takakeisho stay unbeaten in tie for lead on Day 8
Sumo's lone yokozuna clinched a winning record with an untroubled victory over Endo, while the unbeaten ozeki only got past towering Ichinojo through a win by disqualification.
The grand champion shares the lead with Takakeisho, who was also untroubled in his bout on Day 7 at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
Terunofuji makes great escape to remain among unbeaten wrestlers at Kyushu Basho
Terunofuji, who entered the 15-day event at Fukuoka Kokusai Center as the sport's lone yokozuna, improved to 5-2 in seven career bouts against Takanosho (2-3).
The yokozuna and No. 2 maegashira Onosho provided most of the thrills on Day 4's final bout at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
Lack of excitement threatens Kyushu Basho atmosphere
Despite the ongoing meet's seeming openness, there is a sense of inevitability about proceedings in Fukuoka that appears to be draining some of the energy out of the event.
