Yokozuna Hakuho scored an easy victory over No. 3 maegashira Takarafuji to remain among the undefeated leaders on Friday, the sixth day of the July Grand Sumo Tournament.
Before a small crowd prohibited from shouting to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus at the 15-day event at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, Hakuho rocked Takarafuji (2-4) back with his initial charge, wrapped up his arms and drove him out.
The win left the Mongolian-born master, who is seeking to extend his record for career championships to 45, tied with two others for the lead. Five wrestlers started the day with unblemished records, after makuuchi debutant Kotoshoho and No. 10 maegashira Myogiryu fell from the leading pack with their first losses.