Kotoshogiku took a step toward ending a 10-year stretch without a Japanese champion on Tuesday with a win over yokozuna Kakuryu at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
The ozeki's victory added intrigue to Wednesday's matchup against yokozuna Hakuho, who has beaten Kotoshogiku 46 times in 50 clashes. Hakuho also won on Tuesday as the pair remained the only two unbeaten wrestlers.
Facing Kakuryu (7-3) for the 39th time, Kotoshogiku earned his first 10-0 record by defeating the yokozuna for the first time since last year's New Year basho. Kotoshogiku was quickest off the mark, wrapped up the yokozuna's arms and drove him out in a straight-forward frontal forceout. The victory improved Kotoshogiku's record in their career matches to 19-20.