Kotoshogiku inflicted more misery on winless Aran at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday, while Hakuho dismantled Toyonoshima with minimum fuss to also retain his share of the lead heading into the second week of the 15-day basho.
Ozeki debutant Kotoshogiku and yokozuna Hakuho remained tied at the top of the leaderboard with perfect 7-0 records, while sekiwake Kisenosato kept his place among a group of five rikishi one win off the pace.
Kotoshogiku returned to the dressing room to another round of thunderous applause at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, registering a seventh win that suggests the ozeki has a legitimate shot at the title.