Hakuho will start the second week of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament with the outright lead after handing Mitakeumi his first loss on Saturday.
The yokozuna improved to a perfect 7-0 as he manhandled the No. 3 maegashira in the final bout of Day 7 at Edion Arena Osaka, where the action is taking place without spectators due to the coronavirus crisis.
Mitakeumi (6-1), who is trying to fight his way back to the three sanyaku ranks below yokozuna, drove from an inside position but could not shift the Mongolian-born great off his center of gravity.
After taking control with an outside grip, Hakuho loosened his hold to hit Mitakueumi low and hard, pushing him out backward.
Despite starting the 15-day meet in less-than-convincing fashion, the 35-year-old Hakuho appears to be rounding into form as he pursues a record-extending 44th Emperor’s Cup.
Source: www.japantimes.co.jp