Grand champion Hakuho continued his injury comeback in winning fashion on Tuesday at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, overpowering former sekiwake Daieisho to improve to a perfect 3-0.

The 36-year-old great anticipated his opponent’s thrusting attack and, after delivering a powerful face slap, sent him tumbling with a perfectly executed beltless arm throw in the final bout of Day 3 at Dolphins Arena.

The convincing win over No. 1 maegashira Daieisho (0-3) is another positive step for Hakuho, who is returning from knee surgery and will decide whether to continue his storied career based on his performance at the 15-day meet.

The winner of a record 44 Emperor’s Cups will meet winless No. 2 Takanosho on Day 4 of the first grand tournament to be held away from Tokyo with spectators since November 2019.

Ozeki Terunofuji, who is gunning for promotion to yokozuna, stayed perfect at 3-0 with a clever two-handed arm twist down against former sekiwake Takanosho (0-3).

The maegashira was strong off the mark and drove Terunofuji onto the back foot, but after the pair came to a stalemate at arm’s length, the big Mongolian patiently waited for an opening to twist his opponent to the clay.