Yokozuna Hakuho held off a stern challenge from sekiwake Takakeisho on Wednesday to maintain his perfect 11-0 record at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
No. 4 maegashira Ichinojo is one win behind the Mongolian yokozuna, who aims to hold onto the lead for a record-extending 42nd top-division championship at the 15-day meet at Edion Arena Osaka.
In the final bout of the day, Hakuho had to work harder than usual to earn a victory over Takakeisho (8-3). The two wrestlers traded slaps to open the bout, and the younger Takakeisho managed to move the yokozuna toward the edge of the ring.