Yokozuna Hakuho (6-1) maintained his slim lead on Day 7 of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament by defeating No. 3 maegashira Takarafuji (3-4) at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center on Saturday.
The only yokozuna competing in the tourney, Hakuho slapped Takarafuji to the surface after each of the men tried unsuccessfully to secure the other's mawashi.
Hakuho has a one-win lead on five wrestlers who have five wins each -- komusubi Asanoyama heading that group, which includes with four maegashira.
Asanoyama won his match by securing the belt of No. 1 maegashira Okinoumi (2-5) with his left arm and forcing his opponent out the ring.
Sekiwake Mitakeumi, whose quest for promotion to the ozeki rank virtually ended the previous day with a loss to No. 3 maegashira Takarafuji, pushed out No. 4 maegashira Kotoyuki (3-4) to earn his third victory.
Ozeki Takayasu -- wrestling under kadoban status, meaning he needs at least eight wins to retain his rank -- pushed down No. 4 maegashira Tamawashi (4-3) to earn his third win, though the ozeki was initially pushed to the edge of the ring before fighting back.
Ozeki Takakeisho (4-3) made quick work of No. 2 maegashira Myogiryu (3-4), pushing him out right after the tachiai.
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