Kakuryu set up a final-day showdown against yokozuna Hakuho for the biggest prize of his career after a walloping of fallen ozeki Kisenosato on the 14th day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday.
But Kakuryu, who controlled the bout from start to finish before swatting down Kisenosato to improve to 13-1, must now beat the undefeated yokozuna twice for all the marbles; once in regulation, and again in a playoff.
Hakuho (14-0), who is seeking his 28th career title, once again proved invincible as he gave ozeki Kotoshogiku a master clinic in the art of technical prowess.