Yokozuna Harumafuji crashed and burned to a third defeat at the hands of Toyonoshima as the second week of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament kicked off Sunday.
His rival Hakuho, meanwhile, was an indomitable force, stopping local boy Ikioi in his tracks to widen his lead in his bid for his 24th career title with an 8-0 record. Eight rikishi, including ozeki Kotoshogiku, sekiwake duo Baruto and Goeido, and rank-and-filer Toyonoshima are two behind the sole leader at 6-2.
Harumafuji never left the gate in a listless bout against Toyonoshima, who barreled into the yokozuna and upended him into the ringside seats with a hard elbow to the head.