With everyone worried about the fate of Harumafuji, it was rival yokozuna Hakuho who was the first to fall at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday.
While Harumafuji prevailed in a hard-fought battle with little-man Toyonoshima to retain an undefeated record, Hakuho was sent over the edge in a matter of seconds by upstart Myogiryu (1-2) in the day's finale at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
After the first three days of the 15-day meet, Harumafuji features as the early frontrunner among a group of seven rikishi with 3-0 records. Harumafuji is coming off an embarrassing 9-6 record in his debut as a yokozuna in November.