Yokozuna Hakuho continued his drive for a 42nd top-level title at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday, staying undefeated to take the outright lead after rank-and-file grappler Onosho suffered his first loss.
Following the injury withdrawal of compatriot Kakuryu and the retirement of Kisenosato, Hakuho is the last yokozuna in action. The Mongolian superstar beat feisty No. 3 maegashira Shohozan on Day 7 of the 15-day tournament.
Shohozan (2-5) started in his usual aggressive fashion, slapping and thrusting from the jump. But Hakuho used his size and reach advantage to keep the maegashira at arm's length before slapping him to the clay at Ryogoku Kokugikan in 3.6 seconds.