Yokozuna Hakuho and sekiwake Terunofuji both won Saturday to take the title race down to the final day at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
Hakuho, who suffered his first defeat of the 15-day basho against Terunofuji on Friday, rebounded to beat ozeki Kisenosato and improve his record to 13-1.
The Mongolian can secure his 34th Emperor's Cup with victory in his final bout against fellow yokozuna Harumafuji on Sunday. Terunofuji (12-2) faces ozeki Goeido needing a win and a defeat for Hakuho to force a championship playoff.