Yokozuna Terunofuji overpowered sekiwake Meisei at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday, holding onto the outright lead with a spotless 12-0 record.
His nearest challengers for the title, ozeki Takakeisho and No. 15 maegashira Abi, won their Day 12 bouts to stay one win behind at 11-1.
Terunofuji showed off his imposing combination of raw strength and technique in the day's final bout at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, getting payback for a loss to Meisei on the way to his fifth Emperor's Cup in September.