Hakuho won his 29th career Emperor's Cup when he dispensed with yokozuna rival Harumafuji in the finale of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday.
Hakuho captured his first title in two meets with a 14-1 mark and moved to within two titles of yokozuna great Chiyonofuji and three from the all-time mark of 32 set by the legendary Taiho.
Kisenosato (13-2) had a chance to force a playoff and went on the rampage in the day's penultimate bout against Kakuryu, unleashing a fierce thrusting attack to send his opponent over the edge to an unflattering 9-6 record in Kakuryu's yokozuna debut.