Ozeki Kisenosato launched his latest bid for an elusive first championship with a comfortable win against Myogiryu, while Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho came through after an early wobble on Sunday, the opening day of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament.
Looking to build on a 13-2 record at the Spring tourney in March, Kisenosato seized control after the charge and had little trouble in shunting the first-ranked maegashira over the bales at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Having come close to the title on several occasions, Kisenosato had been tipped as the man most likely to end a 10-year trophy drought for Japanese wrestlers at the New Year basho in January, only for Kotoshogiku to steal the show and pull off a shock championship win.