Yokozuna Harumafuji was upset by third-ranked maegashira Takayasu on the third day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday.
Harumafuji suffered his first defeat of the year-ending tourney after his foot slipped over the ring while chasing down Takayasu, who improved to a perfect 3-0.
"I gave it everything I could," Takayasu said. "I don't want to get carried away, though, and I need to keep fighting."
It was another day, another win for Hakuho, who defeated No. 1 Tochiozan to stay with the leading pack, along with fellow yokozuna Kakuryu, who bullied top-ranked Aminishiki (0-3) en route to his third victory in as many days.
Hakuho had been pushed onto the rope by Tochiozan, but turned on his opponent at the last second to remain untouchable and in the hunt for a fourth consecutive Emperor's Cup.
Hakuho is tied with Chiyonofuji for second on the all-time list with 31 titles.
Heralded new sekiwake Ichinojo won his second straight, moving up to 2-1 with a comfortable uwatenage victory over Aoiyama (1-2). Counting Hakuho and Kakuryu, nine wrestlers are tied at 3-0.