Promotion-chasing ozeki Kisenosato huffed and puffed his way past Okinoumi to stay one win off the pace at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Wednesday.

Hakuho, the tournament favorite in the injury-enforced absence of fellow yokozuna Harumafuji, remained perfect and tied for the lead at 4-0 with sekiwake Goeido. Kisenosato and 10 others are tied at 3-1.

Kisenosato was given a run for his money in the day's penultimate bout at Ryogoku Kokugikan, with No.1 maegashira Okinoumi (2-2) at one point looking like he had the ozeki on the rails after turning the tables near the ring's edge.