A night after extending his own record for career championships with his 34th, yokozuna Hakuho on Monday brushed aside talk concerning his apparent icy relationship with the judging committee that came in the wake of his critical remarks in January.
Hakuho, 30, became only the second man to win six straight titles twice with his 14-1 victory at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament. Legendary yokozuna Taiho wrapped up his second at the 1967 New Year basho.
"I was only thinking about focusing on my sumo. It was a performance that anyone who watched would comprehend. I am glad I gave it a strong effort," said Hakuho, in what appeared to be a veiled reference to his remarks in January.