The Japan NewsYokozuna Hakuho put a quick end to ozeki Kisenosato’s perfect run at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Wednesday and took a major stride toward winning a 36th Emperor’s Cup.

Right after yokozuna Kakuryu (8-3) made quick work of komusubi Tochiozan in the penultimate match, Hakuho (10-1) secured a strong grip on the ozeki’s belt just after the start-off and forced Kisenosato (10-1) out of the ring to form a three-way tie for the lead at Osaka’s Edion Arena.

The two share the lead with ozeki Goeido, who fought off a stubborn Harumafuji (7-4) to push down the yokozuna and stay at one loss as he battles for his first Emperor’s Cup.

Meanwhile, Terunofuji (7-4) side-stepped Kotoshogiku at the start and smacked down his fellow ozeki, giving him a fourth loss.

No. 6 maegashira Myogiryu pushed out No. 13 maegashira Chiyootori for his ninth victory, keeping him right in the thick of things as the weekend approaches.

Kotoshogiku urged to keep focus

For Kotoshogiku, the chance to earn a promotion to yokozuna virtually ended the previous day when he suffered his third loss of the tournament.

“The last thing I should do is not to pursue [becoming yokozuna],” the ozeki said following Wednesday’s bout. “I don’t have to give up on my goal.”

Stablemaster Hakkaku, chairman of the Japan Sumo Association, urged Kotoshogiku to work harder, saying, “If he gives up, he has to start all over.”

No 4 maegashira Ikioi attacked No. 11 maegashira Ichinojo right from the jump-off and drove him out of the ring to leave both men at 8-3.Speech