Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho remained on track for a record-extending 36th career title with a routine victory over second-ranked maegashira Aoiyama at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday.
Hakuho, aiming for a first win in three tournaments, wasted little time in getting hold of Aoiyama (0-5) and floored the Bulgarian bruiser with a textbook uwatenage overarm throw to stay unbeaten at 5-0 alongside ozeki Kotoshogiku and rank-and-filer Takayasu.
Hakuho stayed one win ahead of yokozuna rival Harumafuji and two ahead of Kakuryu.