Kakuryu's first win against Hakuho in 21 previous match-ups last time out must have been just the spinach he needed for a death-defying encore performance on Monday.
The Mongolian sekiwake assumed his role as Popeye the Destroyer in an adrenalin-fueled showdown to knock the yokozuna out of sole possession of the lead in the day's finale, throwing the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament into a four-way tie with six days remaining.
Hakuho is tied at 8-1 with Kakuryu, yokozuna hopeful Baruto and rank-and-filer Shotenro, another up-and-coming Mongolian wrestler. Three grapplers, including ozeki pair Harumafuji and Kotoshogiku, are one off the pace with 7-2 records.