Yokozuna Hakuho was dealt a shocking first defeat by komusubi Mitakeumi on the 11th day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Wednesday, cutting his lead to one win with four days remaining.
Sekiwake Tamawashi, the closest challenger to the Mongolian yokozuna, won to improve to 9-2. As fate might have it, Tamawashi will face Hakuho on Thursday in a golden opportunity to help his chances of winning a first career title. It will be no easy task -- he has never beaten Hakuho in 13 previous career meetings.
On Wednesday, Mitakeumi got the best of Hakuho on the jump-off and pushed him across the ring and out in an all-too-easily manner. Mitakeumi improved to 6-2, having sat out three days of the tournament.
Earlier, Tamawashi forced out No. 4 maegashira Kotoshogiku.
Sekiwake Takakeisho, winner of the previous Kyushu tournament in November, kept his slim hopes alive of a title repeat by pushing out No. 2 maegashira Hokutofuji to notch his kachikoshi eighth win.
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