Yokozuna Hakuho remained one step ahead of the pack on Sunday, improving to 8-0 as the 15-day Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament entered the home stretch.

Although his record remained perfect, sumo's greatest yokozuna was anything but flawless in the ring against sekiwake Myogiryu (2-6), who came out with more than his share of tenacity and attitude.

After finally forcing Myogiryu back to the edge of the ring, Hakuho lunged for his opponent. The sekiwake dodged the brunt of the blow, but teetered off balance and out of the ring. Hakuho, who appeared headed out of the ring, somehow managed to slam on the brakes and despite a wobble, stayed on the winning side of the straw.