Yokozuna Hakuho launched his campaign for his sixth consecutive title with a disposal of Myogiryu on the opening day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday.

Rival yokozuna Harumafuji demolished Tamawashi in the penultimate bout to get his bid for his first championship in seven meets off on the right foot. But out of the blocks, the tournament was hit with its first big casualty when rival yokozuna Kakuryu pulled out earlier in the day with a left-shoulder injury.

It wasn't sexy, but Hakuho, who claimed the all-time record with his 33rd career championship in January, extended his winning streak to 25 consecutive bouts since the seventh day of the 2014 Kyushu basho.