Hakuho was sent to his second straight shock defeat from opening day for the first time at sumo's highest rank in a loss to rank-and-filer Yoshikaze at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday.

Hakuho never appeared sure of himself and was floundering in his footing once the penultimate match got under way in front of another sell-out crowd at Ryogoku Kokugikan, calling into question whether his reign over the raised ring has finally begun to wane.

Yoshikaze (1-1), who had never beaten Hakuho in nine previous meetings, kept his distance with a steady eye on the prize before smacking the yokozuna forward to touch the dirt.