Yokozuna Hakuho hit a bump in the road in the start of his campaign for a third consecutive title Sunday, losing at the hands of trickster Aminishiki on the first day of action at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.
In day's final bout, Hakuho got a slow jump at the charge and permitted his opponent to wrap both hands around his waist before the komusubi deployed a savvy throwing technique for the win at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
Hakuho, who won his eighth career Emperor's Cup at the autumn meet in September, attempted a forceful outer leg trip while the pair grappled for leverage but was instead sent toppling head first into the sandy-surface.