Yokozuna Hakuho continued to dominate Miyabiyama on Thursday, improving to 5-0 at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament with an easy win over the hapless komusubi.
Hakuho defeated Miyabiyama (0-5) for the 14th straight time, staying on course to win his 22nd Emperor's Cup as three ozeki — Harumafuji, Kotooshu and Baruto — kept up with the Mongolian, taking their records to 5-0.
After throwing down Miyabiyama onto his rippling belly to the delight of the crowd at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, Hakuho now owns a career 23-4 record against the Fujishima wrestler.
Promoted ozeki Kisenosato (4-1) beat Kakuryu to avoid consecutive losses in the marquee matchup of the day.
Kisenosato bounced back from his defeat to sekiwake Toyonoshima a day earlier against Kakuryu, who had been perfect through the first four days.
Kisenosato took Kakuryu to school right from the tachiai, bullying him onto the ropes before one final nudge sent the sekiwake teetering off the mound.
The first ozeki up to bat was Harumafuji, who ushered Kitataiki out of the ring, sending the third-ranked maegashira to his fifth loss in as many days.
Kotooshu maintained his perfect start by pushing Okinoumi over, consigning the No. 2 maegashira to his fifth straight defeat.
Kotoshogiku (2-3) collapsed for the second straight day, slipping up against second-ranked maegashira Goeido who twisted the ozeki on to his back to collect his first win of the basho.
Goeido faces Hakuho on Friday. He has yet to beat the yokozuna in 12 previous meetings.
"I'll do what I can tomorrow," Goeido said.
Baruto had to work for win No. 5 against Takekaze (1-4), needing a series of shoves to send the tenacious No. 1 maegashira over the straw bales.
Takekaze takes on Kisenosato on Friday.
