Yokozuna Hakuho chalked up his latest win over a familiar opponent to remain undefeated through nine days of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday in Tokyo, while the two sekiwake continued to lurk two wins off the pace.
Hakuho, aiming for a 42nd career title, alternated pushes and pulls against No. 4 maegashira Kotoshogiku before stepping to the side and pushing down his off-balance opponent to improve to 9-0. It was his 56th win in 62 career meetings with the former ozeki.
Sekiwake Takakeisho, winner of the previous Kyushu tournament in November in the absence of Hakuho and other top wrestlers, picked up his seventh win when he had No. 2 maegashira Nishikigi back-pedaling from the jump-off before applying a final shove at the edge.
Sekiwake Tamawashi followed with a similarly one-sided win over ozeki Takayasu, using a powerful push to knock him onto his backside to improve to 7-2. Takayasu fell to 4-5 going into Tuesday's clash with Takakeisho.
Going into Monday's bouts, three maegashira-ranked wrestlers were within one win of Hakuho. While their more immediate concern is more likely achieving a majority of wins than challenging the great yokozuna for the title, by the end of the day, only No. 15 Chiyonokuni remained on pace. He slapped down No. 12 maegashira Meisei to improve to 8-1 and ensure a promotion for the next tournament.
Meanwhile, No. 8 maegashira Kaisei and No. 13 maegashira Yago were both dealt second defeats. Brazilian Kaisei was forced out by No. 7 maegashira Ryuden, while Yago was thrown down by No. 11 maegashira Ikioi.
Ozeki Goeido headed closer to a losing record for the tournament when he succumbed meekly to No. 4 maegashira Okinoumi to fall to 3-6.
Komusubi Myogiryu conversely took a step toward saving his rank when he managed to force out 226-kilogram No. 1 maegashira Ichinojo to improve to 4-5.
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