Kotoshogiku saw his bid for ozeki promotion take another dent on Wednesday after he was sent packing to a second defeat by rank-and-filer Tochiozan at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.
Hakuho, meanwhile, gave his fans a fright when he was almost sent to a first loss at the hands of Kakuryu but the yokozuna was too savvy, escaping his sekiwake opponent's grasps to remain the sole leader at 11-0 with four days left at the 15-day meet.
Kotoshogiku and maegashira wrestler Kitataiki sit at 9-2.