Hakuho capitalized on another slip-up by fellow Mongolian yokozuna Asashoryu to take a giant step toward his 10th title at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday.
Hakuho watched Asashoryu (10-2) stumble against Kotomitsuki (7-5) in the day's penultimate bout at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium and took full advantage, beating ozeki Harumafuji to go two wins clear with three days of the 15-day meet remaining.
Hakuho (12-0) weathered a pair of early slaps from Harumafuji (7-5) and calmly worked his countryman toward the edge of the ring to force him out, and maintain his flawless record heading into the final furlong.