It was business as usual for yokozuna Hakuho while ozeki Baruto also remained undefeated to share the lead in the title race at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday.
Hakuho stayed on course in his bid for a third consecutive title and 22nd overall Emperor's Cup, tearing through little man Toyonoshima in buzzsaw fashion while Baruto made mincemeat of Takayasu to leave the pair at 9-0 with six days remaining at the 15-day meet.
Ozeki Kisenosato remained in hot pursuit of the co-leaders at 8-1, but Kotooshu was tripped up by fellow ozeki Harumafuji for his second defeat to join four wrestlers, including Harumafuji, two off the pace.