Yokozuna Hakuho, who is gunning for his 30th career Emperor's Cup, will retain his prestigious position on the east wing for the third consecutive meet, with the Japan Sumo Association's release of the rankings for the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday.
Hakuho, who won the summer basho in May with an outstanding 14-1 mark, has a chance to move within one championship of yokozuna great Chiyonofuji's 31 titles and zero in on the legendary Taiho's all-time record of 32, when the July 13-27 tournament kicks off at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium.
It will be the 42nd time Hakuho will make an appearance at the top rank, placing him in a tie for eighth with former yokozuna Asashoryu.