Hakuho took another step toward his record-extending 43rd top-level championship with a victory over Ryuden at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Wednesday.
The Mongolian-born yokozuna maintained his outright lead, improving to 10-1 as he forced out the No. 5 maegashira in the final bout of Day 11 at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
Eschewing his trademark face slap, Hakuho immediately took Ryuden's belt with his left hand and maneuvered him back toward the edge while securing a double outside grip. From there, Ryuden (4-7) was powerless to stop the all-time championship record holder from forcing him over the straw.