Despite a marked difference in the way they won, yokozuna Hakuho and ozeki Harumafuji remained tied with 13-0 records on Friday, the 13th day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium.
Moments after Harumafuji ended his bout in less than three seconds, Hakuho had to overcome a grueling if unimaginative rear-guard action from Baruto to remain on course for a decisive clash on Sunday. Hakuho takes on ozeki Kisenosato on Saturday, while Harumafuji will put his own unbeaten record on the line against fellow ozeki Kotooshu.
Hakuho, who won his 400th bout as a yokozuna on Thursday, quickly found himself in a stalemate with his large Estonian opponent. Hakuho continuously tried to find an edge laterally, while Baruto twice attempted to unlock his opponent's grip by thrusting his body upward. Eventually, Hakuho regained the initiative with a lateral twisting move and sent Baruto tumbling out of the ring with an overarm throw nearly a minute and a half after their match started.