Yokozuna Kakuryu survived a tough battle to retain his share of the lead on Friday, the sixth day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
On a day when the back story threatened to overshadow the action, Kakuryu (6-0) and former ozeki Kotoshogiku provided the day's highlight in the day's final bout. His victory left Kakuryu tied with three other wrestlers at 6-0.
Kotoshogiku, now wrestling as a No. 2 maegashira, seized the initiative with a solid opening charge, but was unable to put away Kakuryu. It took some maneuvering, but the yokozuna finally managed to grab a belt hold and force Kotoshogiku (2-4) out. The win improved Kakuryu's record in their long-running rivalry to 25-22.