Mongolian Hakuho overpowered Kisenosato on Sunday to maintain a perfect record at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament.
Ozeki Hakuho is bidding for promotion to grand champion and displayed the type of poise required to reach sumo's highest rank with an impressive win over No. 3 maegashira Kisenosato.
After being pushed back at the faceoff, Hakuho absorbed several arm thrusts before turning the tables and forcing Kisenosato out to improve to 8-0 in the 15-day tourney. Kisenosato dropped to 4-4.
Hakuho, who is tied for the lead with three others, won the Spring tournament and capturing the Emperor's Cup in this meet would ensure promotion to grand champion.
In the day's final bout at Ryogoku Kokugikan, Mongolian Asashoryu, sumo's lone grand champion, got a hold of Kotoshogiku's belt at the faceoff and thew the komusubi out to remain tied for the lead at 8-0. Kotoshogiku was handed his fifth loss.
Lower-ranked wrestlers Dejima and Futeno also won Sunday to remain tied for the lead.
In other major bouts, ozeki Chiyotaikai used his trademark arm thrusts to send winless No. 3 maegashira Kakizoe tumbling off the raised ring.
Chiyotaikai, who was handed his first loss on Saturday, improved to 7-1.
Mongolian Ama handed ozeki Kaio his first loss.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.