Terunofuji caps perfect run at Kyushu sumo tournament

The Japan News

November 28, 2021

Yokozuna Terunofuji tied a perfect bow on his sixth tournament title with a lengthy and slap-filled victory over ozeki Takakeisho in the final day of action at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday.

Terunofuji, who the previous day clinched his second straight tourney title and sixth overall, had to work for his 15-0 record at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

Takakeisho (12-3) backed the yokozuna up soon after the jump-off and the two rikishi came to a standstill at one point in the middle of the ring as they reset their bearings.

The yokozuna eventually got the smaller ozeki off balance and sent his opponent out of the ring with one final thrust.

Meanwhile, No. 15 maegashira Abi, who lost in the tournament-clinching bout to Terunofuji on Saturday, was defeated by No. 2 maegashira Takanosho (11-4).

Abi earned his third Fighting Spirit Prize with his run in Kyushu.

Takanosho was also awarded the Fighting Spirit Prize, his second. No. 7 maegashira Ura lost but earned his first Technique Prize, finishing at 10-5. No one was selected for the Outstanding Performance Award.