Ozeki Kakuryu's yokozuna bid took a dent on Tuesday as he was handed a first defeat at the hands of rank-and-filer Okinoumi on the third day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
Yokozuna Hakuho, meanwhile, feted his 29th birthday in style with a demolition of youngster Endo, winning convincingly on the day that also marked the third anniversary of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
Hakuho, who coincidently is gunning for his 29th career championship, shares the early lead with seven wrestlers at 3-0, the group featuring fellow yokozuna Harumafuji who missed the entire New Year Basho due to an injured left ankle.