History-chasing yokozuna Hakuho kept his slate clean by the narrowest of margins on Thursday to remain among the leaders after five days at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
In control for most of his match against Ikioi (0-5), Hakuho was thrown at the edge of the ring, but emerged victorious as his maegashira opponent's heel barely touched out before the yokozuna hit the dirt. Hakuho was credited with victory by frontal forceout.
Hakuho, who looked vulnerable for the second straight day at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, was joined at 5-0 by fellow yokozuna Harumafuji, who had a much easier time in dispatching komusubi Tochiozan (1-4) with an overarm throw, and No. 6 maegashira Okinoumi.