Yokozuna Hakuho remained on the right track for a record-setting championship on Wednesday, the fourth day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.

The 29-year-old Hakuho, who can surpass legendary yokozuna Taiho by winning his 33rd career championship and taking sole ownership of the all-time mark, improved to 4-0 at Ryogoku Kokugikan with a win over Terunofuji. The No. 2 maegashira forced Hakuho to improvise a little, but the yokozuna got the job done to remain among the tournament's leading trio.

Terunofuji entered the match on a roll after two straight wins over ozeki opponents. He grabbed an early belt hold and appeared to have a chance for his first win in three tries against Hakuho. But the Mongolian master forced Terunofuji off his belt, pushed him backward toward the bales and ended it with a beltless arm throw.