Ozeki Kotoshogiku remained on course to become Japan's first champion in a decade with a convincing ninth straight win at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday.

The Fukuoka-born grappler was never in danger of seeing his unbeaten start come to an end, quickly getting a left-handed grip on Kaisei's (3-6) belt and shunting the Brazilian-born No. 3 maegashira over the ridge.

Hakuho, sumo's most successful wrestler with 35 Emperor's Cups, also maintained his share of the lead at 9-0.