Yokozuna Hakuho launched his bid to seize sole possession of the record for all-time championships with a technically sound if not dominant win over Tochiozan on the first day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday.
It wasn't exactly a dream start to usher in the new year, but Hakuho, who is seeking his 33rd career Emperor's Cup to surpass sumo legend Taiho with the most championships in the sport's history, walked away in the winner's column after swatting the komusubi to the dirt at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Sumo's premier yokozuna is seeking his fifth consecutive title.