Kisenosato's slim hopes of promotion to yokozuna were all but shattered Sunday as komusubi Tochiozan sentenced the ozeki to his third defeat of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
Sole leader Hakuho, meanwhile, took another step toward his 28th career Emperor's Cup, seeing off fifth-ranked maegashira Shohozan to maintain his perfect record at 8-0.
Hakuho, seeking his first win in two meets, was all business in the day's finale, soaking up an attack from Shohozan and sending him out with a textbook arm-bar throw to maintain a one-win lead over compatriot Kakuryu. Shohozan and four other wrestlers share third at 6-2.