Hakuho continued his run of narrow escapes in the first week of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, surviving two more close calls Thursday to retain his share of the lead on Day 5.
The yokozuna's win over previously unbeaten No. 2 maegashira Nishikigi kept him in a four-way tie for the lead in the 15-day event at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Komusubi Mitakeumi, No. 6 maegashira Onosho and No. 8 Kaisei also ended the day with perfect records.
Hakuho was ordered to refight his match when the ringside judges overturned the referee's original declaration that Nishikigi had won. In the rematch, Nishikigi got the better of the opening charge and found himself pursuing the yokozuna around the ring.