Yokozuna Hakuho demolished Aoiyama in a sumo clinic to remain steady on course for his sixth consecutive championship at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday.
With rival yokozuna Harumafuji suffering a fatal third defeat at the hands of Toyonoshima, Hakuho improved to 9-0 to move a step closer to putting the final nail in the coffin against his would-be challengers at the 15-day Osaka tournament.
Newly promoted sekiwake Terunofuji and veteran journeyman Aminishiki stayed one off the pace at 8-1 after disposing of their respective opponents. Four rikishi from the lower echelon maegashira ranks stand at 7-2.