Kakuryu claimed yokozuna bragging rights and closed in on the title by defeating fellow Mongolian Hakuho at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Friday.
After an early exchange of slaps and thrusts, Kakuryu seized control and got both arms around Hakuho before bellying him over the straw bales to stay one win clear with two days of the 15-day basho remaining.
Victory was only Kakuryu's sixth in 45 meetings with Hakuho at grand tournaments. He is one win ahead of yokozuna and compatriot Harumafuji and can clinch the title by beating Goeido on Saturday, provided Harumafuji loses to Hakuho.