Yokozuna Hakuho dispensed with sumo old-timer Kyokutenho to keep his clean slate, while ozeki Kakuryu stayed hot in pursuit one behind with a smackdown of Goeido at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday.
Hakuho improved to 10-0, moving a step closer toward winning his 28th career title. Kakuryu is a 9-1, while maegashira wrestlers Endo and Shohozan trail at 8-2 with five days remaining at the 15-day meet at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
There was no vintage performance to come in the finale from maegashira Kyokutenho (4-6), who at 39 is the oldest in the makuuchi class, only a blast of fury from the yokozuna.