Yokozuna Hakuho celebrated his 35th birthday with a win over rank-and-filer Okinoumi on Wednesday, maintaining his perfect record at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament being held without spectators for the first time in the sport's history.
In the day's penultimate bout at Edion Arena Osaka, Hakuho improved to 4-0 after defeating No. 2 maegashira Okinoumi (1-3). The 15-day meet is being held behind closed doors as an emergency measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Hakuho faced a stern challenge from the rank-and-filer as the two wrestlers locked up in a brief stalemate. The yokozuna, however, managed to get a grip on Okinoumi's belt with both hands and lifted the 167-kg wrestler off the ground before throwing him out.