Yokuzuna Hakuho stormed ahead to his eighth victory at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday, while another wrestler at the tourney — being held behind closed doors because of the COVID-19 outbreak — pulled out after running a high fever.
It was easy sailing for the Mongolian-born yokozuna in a quick win over No. 4 maegashira Abi (4-4) that left Hakuho leading two wrestlers with 7-1 records.
The 15-day meet entered its final week at Edion Arena Osaka under a cloud after No. 15 maegashira Chiyomaru recorded a fever of at least 37.5 Celsius for two straight days and withdrew. The Japan Sumo Association began the tournament on the understanding it would be canceled should either a wrestler or association member test positive for the coronavirus.