Hakuho manhandled Kaisei on Thursday to remain unbeaten, but fellow Mongolian yokozuna Kakuryu surrendered his share of the lead after an upset defeat to Ikioi on the fifth day of action at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo.
Seeking a record-extending 37th career title here, Hakuho was always in control against Brazilian komusubi Kaisei (1-4) and after getting a left-handed grip on the front of his belt, shoved him out for a convincing win.
The Spring Basho winner, who improved his record to 8-0 against Kasei, is tied for the lead a third of the way into the 15-day meet at Ryogoku Kokugikan with ozeki pair Goeido and Kisenosato.