Newly promoted yokozuna Harumafuji got a painful dose of reality Monday, when he was sent crashing to his first loss at the hands of local boy Okinoumi on just the second day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.
Yokozuna Hakuho, meanwhile, made quick work of Tochiozan to move to 2-0, getting revenge after his defeat to the top-ranked maegashira at the autumn meet in September as the yokozuna stayed on track for a resurgence after a three-tournament title drought. A victory in Kyushu would place Hakuho alone in fifth on the all-time list with 23 career titles.
Zabuton cushions went flying toward the raised ring at Fukuoka Kokusai Center when Harumafuji was wrenched over the edge with an armbar maneuver after the Mongolian's throat grabs proved ineffective against his larger opponent.