With one unstoppable charge, yokozuna Hakuho grabbed sole possession of the lead in his bid for a third consecutive title at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Wednesday.
Hakuho, who captured his eighth Emperor's Cup at the autumn meet in September, manhandled Estonian giant Baruto to improve his slate to a 10-1 record with just four days remaining in the action at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
Baruto had been in the zone, winning eight straight since losing his first two bouts, but the yokozuna was in no mood for child's play as he his dug deep into the sandy surface before using his almighty right-handed grip to subdue the newly promoted sekiwake.