Mongolian grand champion Hakuho on Friday became the most successful sumo wrestler in history, bagging a record 33rd title and snatching the honours from a Japanese legend in the sport. The 29-year-old blasted out fellow championship contender Kisenosato, sealing the title with a now-unbeatable 13-0 record in the 15-day New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
His other closest rival, fellow Mongolian Harumafuji lost his bout Friday to Kakuryu, another Mongolian and the most recent wrestler to be elevated to the status of "yokozuna" (grand champion). Hakuho has now sailed past Taiho, a man widely regarded as the greatest yokozuna of the post-war era, whose record of 32 Emperor's Cups had stood unbeaten for 44 years.