Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho, who will be in the hunt for his third straight title, lined up in the prestigious east slot for the second meet in a row as the Japan Sumo Association released the rankings for the upcoming Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday.
As the lights appear to be dimming on the career of rival yokozuna Asashoryu, Hakuho continues to cut an imposing figure after winning the autumn basho with a 14-1 record.
Asashoryu, who has pulled out of the last two meets citing injuries, is still nursing an injured left elbow and remains a question mark for the Nov. 9-23 meet at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
Kotomitsuki, who finished with an 11-4 mark in September, sits in the east ozeki slot while 36-year-old veteran ozeki Kaio moves alone into second on the all-time list making his 91st appearance in the elite makuuchi division.