Terunofuji remained among the three unbeaten leaders with his victory over No. 3 maegashira Okinoumi on Friday, the sixth day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.

In the day's final bout at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, the sole yokozuna, Terunofuji won a straight-forward gritty battle as he and Okinoumi (2-4) strove to get belt holds from the jump.

Okinoumi succeeded in keeping Terunofuji from getting the left overarm hold he prefers, but eventually succumbed when the yokozuna got his right hand on the front of his belt and levered him out.

Terunofuji (L) defeats Okinoumi on the sixth day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Nov. 19, 2021, at Fukuoka Kokusai Center in Fukuoka, southwestern Japan. (Kyodo)

Terunofuji's victory in the 15-day event left him tied with ozeki Takakeisho and No. 15 maegashira Abi.

Takakeisho earned his 10th victory in 13 career bouts against Takarafuji (3-3). Takarafuji, whose strength is getting around opponents' flanks, never got such an opening as Takakeisho patiently cornered him and shoved him out.

Abi, who earned re-promotion from the second-tier juryo division after a suspension for his violating coronavirus protocols in July 2020, brought his opponent, No. 16 Sadanoumi (4-2), down by grabbing his head with both hands and twisting him off balance.

Sekiwake Mitakeumi (5-1) bounced back from his loss on Thursday with a "hatakikomi" slap-down win over No. 3 Myogiryu (2-4) to stay one win back of the leaders, as did No. 6 Tamawashi and entertaining No. 7 Ura.

Three days after his 37th birthday, Tamawashi shoved out No. 4 Endo (3-3) to improve to 5-1. Endo, already sporting bandages on his forehead, butted heads on the charge with the veteran Mongolian, and never recovered.

Ura (5-1) flipped former ozeki Takayasu (4-2) in a wild bout. Ura darted in and out as he prevented any close contact with the bigger No. 5 Takayasu until he finally snatched his opponent's right leg and levered him off his feet.

Shodai (3-3) was forced out by No. 2 Takanosho (3-3), before the ozeki could fell his opponent with a defensive "tsukiotoshi" thrust down at the straw.

Kiribayama won his first bout at his new rank, throwing down Ichinojo (2-4) in a battle between Mongolian-born komusubi wrestlers, while sekiwake Meisei (3-3) fell to No. 1 Daieisho (3-3).

No. 8 Tobizaru (4-2) added to his reputation as an entertainer with an energetic win over No. 11 Terutsuyoshi (3-3). Tobizaru dodged his opponent's charge, spun him around, and instead of a simple shove, grabbed his foe's leg.

When Terutsuyoshi lurched forward off balance, Tobizaru rushed after him in hot pursuit -- until both wrestlers' momentum carried them off the ring and several rows into the crowd.


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