Sekiwake Takakeisho started his campaign for promotion to the sport's second-highest rank by beating Myogiryu in his opening bout at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday.
Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho and Kakuryu suffered mixed fates to begin the 15-day competition at Edion Arena Osaka as they returned to duty after withdrawing from the previous meet in January.
The 22-year-old Takakeisho, who competes at sumo's third-highest rank, is in the spotlight as he aims for promotion to ozeki. He made quick work of No. 2 maegashira Myogiryu with a frontal push out.