Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho put one hand up on the tournament hardware with a victory over Kotooshu on Friday, maintaining a two-win cushion over rival Asashoryu with two days remaining at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
Hakuho improved his unbeaten streak to 13-0 and can wrap up his 10th Emperor's Cup title with a victory over ozeki Kaio in the final bout on Saturday.
In the day's penultimate bout at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, Hakuho had trouble securing a belt grip against Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu but deployed a powerful overarm throw when his opponent tried to muscle him over the edge. Kotooshu slipped to 8-5.