Yokozuna Hakuho walloped rank-and-filer Takekaze to remain undefeated as he continued to close in on his 34th career Emperor's Cup at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday.
But a lone star of hope in the form of sekiwake Terunofuji stayed alive in the title race after holding off ozeki Kotoshogiku (6-4) in a heated battle as he bids to deny sumo's all-time record holder of his sixth consecutive championship.
While Hakuho improved to 10-0 the main competition with the exception of Terunofuji at 9-1 has dropped off like flies with just five days remaining. Three wrestlers from the lower ranks trail at 8-2.