Ozeki Kakuryu took one giant leap forward in his quest for yokozuna promotion on Thursday, sending yokozuna Harumafuji to his first defeat at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
Hakuho, who is seeking his 29th career title, took over as the sole leader as he improved to 12-0 after defeating longtime nemesis Kisenosato (8-4) with a bit of psychological warfare in front of the seventh sold-out crowd at Bodymaker Colosseum.
Harumafuji and Kakuryu are one behind at 11-1 with three days remaining at the 15-day meet.