Yokozuna Hakuho suffered his first loss of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday, losing to rank-and-filer Daieisho in an undramatic end to Day 2 that leaves the title chase wide open.
In the final bout of the day, Hakuho swept away a high shove from Daieisho (1-1) and backpedaled to gain ground, but ran out of room at the edge as the No. 1 maegashira closed in for the kill.
The Mongolian-born yokozuna's first loss at Fukuoka Kokusai Center damaged his prospects of collecting a record-extending 43rd makuuchi title, but elated Daieisho, who beat Hakuho for the first time in five bouts.