Yokozuna Harumafuji gave Gagamaru a public flogging to remain the only unbeaten man standing after eight days at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday.

The Mongolian livewire continued to tame his detractors who have suggested he doesn't have the right stuff to remain at sumo's highest rank, waylaying into the sekiwake with a high-voltage attack to improve to 8-0 as the second week of this year's first major basho kicked off.

Rival yokozuna Hakuho, meanwhile, picked off Brazilian Kaisei to remain hot in pursuit one off the pace at 7-1 along with rank-and-filer Takarafuji as he zeroes in on his second consecutive Emperor's Cup and 24th overall title.