Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho recovered from an early scare to defeat ozeki Kisenosato on Wednesday to remain unbeaten as the sole leader heading down the stretch at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.
Hakuho, in the hunt for a record-extending 36th career championship in his comeback from injury, improved to 11-0 at the 15-day meet, one win ahead of yokozuna rival Harumafuji.
Kisenosato (8-3), so often a thorn in Hakuho's side in the past, looked to have gained the edge when Hakuho stumbled after the charge in the day's final bout at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.