Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho kept a 31st career title in his sights with a routine win over No. 1 maegashira Endo on Monday, the second day of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.
Hakuho soaked up Endo's attack at the charge and found an opening to slap his opponent down for a second consecutive win at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokuguikan. Endo dropped to 0-2.
Chasing his third consecutive Emperor's Cup, another championship victory here would move Hakuho even with yokozuna great Chiyonofuji and one from the all-time record of 32 held by sumo legend Taiho.