FUKUOKA (Kyodo) -- New ozeki Onosato survived a minor scare as he made a winning start to the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament against No. 1 maegashira Hiradoumi on Sunday.

The September tournament winner's introduction earned a loud cheer at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, although it was Hiradoumi who made noise with his explosive start against the crowd favorite.

Onosato could not secure a grip as he was driven back by his fast-moving opponent, but the ozeki kept his foot planted inside the straw bales as he thrust Hiradoumi down at the edge.

The latest injury withdrawal of sole yokozuna Terunofuji has left the spotlight at the 15-day tournament firmly on the 24-year-old Onosato, whose promotion to ozeki after just nine tournaments is the fastest on record since the beginning of the Showa era in 1926.

Ozeki Hoshoryu snapped a streak of opening-day losses dating back to March as he forced out No. 1 maegashira Oho. The Mongolian grappler is aiming for an improved performance after eking out an 8-7 winning record in September.

Still looking for his maiden Emperor's Cup, ozeki Kotozakura dug deep as he thrust down current komusubi and former ozeki Shodai after being taken to the edge.

No. 2 maegashira Wakatakakage logged an impressive victory against sekiwake Kirishima, maneuvering the former ozeki to the edge and forcing him out.

Takerufuji, champion of this year's March tournament as a makuuchi division debutant, was victorious upon his return to the top flight as a No. 16 maegashira with a slap down of 17th-ranked maegashira Asakoryu.

In other action from the bottom half of the draw, Ukrainian No. 16 maegashira Shishi won his maiden makuuchi bout by forcing out No. 15 maegashira Tokihayate.