Yokozuna Hakuho will be gunning to become only the third man in history to win six straight titles as the lone yokozuna takes up his prestigious east position for the upcoming New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, as the Japan Sumo Association announced the sumo rankings on Tuesday.
Hakuho, who will hold sumo's highest rank by himself for the sixth consecutive time at the Jan. 9-23 meet at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, is chasing former yokozuna Asashoryu's record of seven consecutive titles. Former grand champion Taiho won six straight, twice.
Veteran ozeki Kaio has given himself a pleasant surprise with a return to the east slot after 21 meets following his outstanding 12-3 performance at the Kyushu Basho in November.