Hokutoriki took a giant step closer to claiming his first Emperor's Cup on Saturday with a one-sided victory over Takekaze at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan Arena.
Top maegashira Hokutoriki came charging out of the blocks and used a series of powerful arm thrusts to send No. 8 maegashira Takekaze out over the straw ridge.
Hokutoriki, who defeated grand champion Asashoryu earlier in the tournament, improved to 13-1 and can take home the Emperor's Cup on Sunday with a win over No. 16 maegashira Hakuho.