Yokozuna Hakuho and ozeki Terunofuji each won on Thursday, retaining a share of the lead with perfect 12-0 records at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.
The wins by ensured one of them would win the tournament. Because they will square off over the weekend, both can't finish with three losses, effectively eliminating their two closest title pursuers. No. 10 maegashira Tamawashi and No. 11 Kotonowaka are each 9-3 with three days left at Dolphins Arena.
In the day's final bout, Hakuho, with a record 44 career grand tournament championships, beat sekiwake Mitakeumi (6-6) for the 12th time in 16 career bouts.