Yokozuna Kisenosato bounced back from an opening defeat to register his first win of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday.
Making his comeback following a run of injuries that kept him from finishing the past four tournaments, Kisenosato (1-1) beat No. 1 maegashira Hokutofuji (0-2) on Day 2 of the 15-day tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Despite never appearing in danger of losing, Kisenosato was far from convincing as he labored to dislodge his opponent using his favored frontal force-out technique.