Yokozuna debutant Harumafuji got back to basics Tuesday, rebounding from his loss the previous day with a quick-fire win against Tochiozan on the third day of action at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.
Hakuho, meanwhile, perfectly timed a takeout maneuver of Okinoumi in the day's final bout to headline a group of eight wrestlers, including ozeki Kisenosato, with the early lead at 3-0 as he bids for his first Emperor's Cup in three meets.
Harumafuji had a reality check on Monday, falling to his first defeat at sumo's highest rank at the hands of Okinoumi, and dropping his second in a row was not an option as he aims for his third consecutive title at the 15-day Kyushu Basho.