Komusubi Mitakeumi handed yokozuna Hakuho his first loss on Wednesday, returning from injury to pull off the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament's biggest surprise so far.
Mitakeumi (6-2-3), who missed three days of competition with an injured left leg, faced the unenviable task of battling the sole leader and 41-time champion Hakuho (10-1) in his return bout on Day 11 of the 15-day tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
But the 26-year-old charged low and hard at Hakuho who, unable to secure a grip, found himself positioned too high to avoid being quickly driven from the ring.