Yokozuna Hakuho surrendered the initial advantage on his opening charge, but recovered to beat mountainous maegashira Kaisei for his third win after three days of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday.
A day after his 34th birthday, the Mongolian yokozuna let No. 1 Kaisei grab the first belt hold, and looked in danger of defeat.
But with his typical calm demeanor under pressure and some superb footwork, Hakuho shook off Kaisei's hold while latching on to the front of the Brazilian's belt with his right hand.