Hakuho maintained his pursuit of a record-extending 44th Emperor's Cup by beating Yutakayama and improving to a perfect 6-0 Friday at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
But the sailing was less smooth for fellow yokozuna Kakuryu, who dropped to 4-2 after losing to No. 2 maegashira Tokushoryu (1-5).
All-time championship record-holder Hakuho easily overpowered No. 3 Yutakayama in the penultimate bout of Day 6 at Edion Arena Osaka.