Hakuho ambushed would-be challenger Tokitenku on Saturday, firing off a violent assault before the time limit for the bout to begin to ensure himself of a seventh consecutive win at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
Hakuho, who is aiming for his 24th career Emperor's Cup, improved to 7-0 heading into the second week of competition in Osaka, while only one wrestler, rank-and-filer Jokoryu, was at 6-1. Rival yokozuna Harumafuji, who beat up on local boy Ikioi in the day's finale, leads a group of 10 wrestlers two behind at 5-2.
Tokitenku (2-5), who had only beaten Hakuho once in 16 previous career bouts, was actually the one who considered charging before time in the penultimate bout at Bodymaker Colosseum.