Yokozuna Hakuho produced another classy performance with a clinical disposal of sekiwake Aoiyama as he moved ever closer to taking sole ownership of the all-time championship record at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday.
Hakuho, who is seeking his 33rd career championship to surpass Taiho with the most Emperor's Cup titles ever, improved to an immaculate 10-0 to remain the sole leader. Sumo's lord of the raised ring posted double-digit wins for the 48th consecutive tournament.
Harumafuji, however, sent out a warning shot to sumo's foremost yokozuna with a wrecking-ball act on ozeki Kotoshogiku to stay hot on his rival's heels at 9-1.