Yokozuna Hakuho got off to a turbo start in his bid to win consecutive titles with a demolition of newly promoted komusubi Tochiozan on the first day of action at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday.

Fellow yokozuna Asashoryu, meanwhile, escaped by the skin of his teeth against newly promoted komusubi Kakuryu in the day's penultimate bout to also move into the winner's circle in pursuit of his 24th Emperor's Cup and first title in two meets.

Hakuho, who won the spring title in March with an undefeated record, hardly broke a sweat as he quickly moved in for his favored right leaning grip and proceeded to usher Tochiozan over the edge at Ryogoku Kokugikan.