Ozeki Kisenosato took a big step forward in his second bid at yokozuna promotion with a manhandling of Chiyotairyu to remain one off the pace at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday.
Yokozuna Hakuho, meanwhile, remained in destruction mode as he dispensed with Okinoumi in the day's finale to maintain a share of the early lead at 3-0 with sekiwake Goeido and rank-and-filer Shohozan at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Chiyotairyu, who lost to Kisenosato in November but played a big role in ruining the ozeki's first promotion bid by dumping him to a second defeat at last year's Nagoya basho, never fazed his opponent as it was Kisenosato from start to finish.