Undefeated yokozuna Hakuho tossed aside another would-be challenger in the form of Shohozan on Friday, inching closer to capturing his first title in three meets on the sixth day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.
Sekiwake Goeido, meanwhile, has emerged as a surprise contender, remaining unbeaten in a dead heat with Hakuho after sending ozeki Kisenosato (4-2) to a second loss in a row.
Yokozuna debutant Harumafuji is in a group of eight wrestlers hot in pursuit of the coleaders at 5-1 as the 15-day meet enters the first weekend at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.