Japan Sumo Association Chairman Kitanoumi said Sunday he will convene meetings of sumo executives and the Yokozuna Deliberation Council to consider ozeki Hakuho's promotion to sumo's top rank of yokozuna. Kitanoumi called for the meetings after Hakuho finished the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan with a spotless 15-0 record, one day after the 22-year-old Mongolian clinched his second Emperor's Cup in succession. Hakuho had virtually assured himself promotion with Saturday's win over Chiyotaikai but he further underlined his grand champion credentials by closing with a stunning win over lone yokozuna and countryman Asashoryu. The Yokozuna Deliberation Council is set to recommend Hakuho's promotion Monday before the JSA's executive committee finalizes the matter on Wednesday.
