Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho says his latest success at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament has given him a lift, but admitted that a lack of a serious competition at the 15-day meet left him feeling "lonely."
"Winning has given me great confidence," Hakuho told reporters Monday, a day after he concluded his campaign at Ryogoku Kokugikan with a perfect 15-0 record.
Hakuho, the lone yokozuna in the top makuuchi division, clinched his 14th Emperor's Cup with two days to spare and finished well clear of Estonian giant Baruto, who finished with a 10-5 record.
"I felt a bit lonely. I am wrestling with the feeling that I am fighting against myself," he added.