Hakuho rebounded from the previous day's shock defeat with a shellacking of Toyonoshima on Wednesday while rival yokozuna Harumafuji left more destruction in his wake after a demolition of Kyokutenho at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
Harumafuji features in a leading quartet with 4-0 records. Hakuho, who is seeking his second consecutive title and 24th career championship, is one behind the co-leaders in a logjam of nine rikishi at 3-1.
Hakuho, who was shoved out by Myogiryu for his first loss on Tuesday, came storming back with a vengeance in the day's penultimate match at Ryogoku Kokugikan.