Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho recorded a routine victory over No. 3 maegashira Ichinojo on Saturday, maintaining his perfect record alongside ozeki Kotoshogiku on the seventh day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
Seeking his record-extending 36th career title, Hakuho was solid in downing his compatriot, Ichinojo (1-6), after swiftly grabbing his opponent's belt with his left hand and flooring him with an overarm throw at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Kotoshogiku labored to down winless Bulgarian Aoiyama following an early scare, when he failed to pull down the maegashira and saw his charge halted. A thrust down with his right arm spared the ozeki's blushes in the end