Yokozuna Hakuho remained on course for a historic 33rd career championship with a solid win over Kotoshogiku on Thursday, the 12th day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
The Mongolian, who is now level with the legendary Taiho in career championships, improved to a perfect 12-0, two wins ahead of trailing yokozuna Harumafuji and ozeki Kisenosato, who are both 10-2 at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
In the day's penultimate bout, Hakuho improved to 42-4 in his career against ozeki Kotoshogiku (8-4). The ozeki held his own on the tachiai, as each man got a belt hold, and made an effort to shove Hakuho out.
But when Kotoshogiku's advance ground to a halt at mid-ring, Hakuho used his full power to reverse his opponent's course and force him quickly out of the ring. The victory left Hakuho within two wins of clinching his fifth straight championship.
Harumafuji ascended to the ring for the day's finale and in a heartbeat dodged the charge of Mongolian compatriot Ichinojo.
The yokozuna grabbed the back of the huge sekiwake's belt and heaved him from the ring to stay in the hunt for the championship. Ichinojo fell to 4-8.
