Hakuho started his pursuit for a record-extending 44th career championship on a winning note on Sunday, while fellow yokozuna Kakuryu suffered a shocking defeat on the opening day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
Hakuho seized komusubi Daieisho's belt with his right hand following the initial clash and easily forced the komusubi out in the final bout of the day at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
With the win, the Mongolian-born yokozuna was able to exact revenge for a loss to Daieisho at the previous tournament in November. Hakuho, who won in Fukuoka with a 14-1 record, has not won the New Year basho since 2015. He has revealed his long-term goal of capturing 50 Emperor's Cups.