Hakuho suffered a big upset at the hands of rank-and-filer Hokutofuji on Sunday, the first day of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.

Starting his first tournament as a Japanese citizen, Hakuho was immediately put on the back foot by top-ranked maegashira Hokutofuji, who has now beaten the record-holding champion twice in seven bouts.

Hokutofuji locked in under Hakuho's left arm and drove him off the raised ring with lethal timing, staying low to deny his opponent a belt hold.