Yokozuna Hakuho on Thursday ensured the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament will be a two-horse race down the stretch.
On the 12th day of competition at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, Hakuho improved to 12-0 by handing ozeki Kotoshogiku his third defeat of the 15-day event. Ozeki Harumafuji remained perfect by winning the previous match. Since the two are due to face each other over the weekend, at least one will finish no worse than 13-2.
Kotoshogiku put up a valiant fight, but lacked the horsepower and guile needed to stave off Hakuho's relentless attack. Kotoshogiku's third loss left him tied with ozeki Kisenosato, Georgian maegashira Aran and Brazilan-born maegashira Kaisei with the best records behind the leading duo.