Yokozuna Hakuho was completely turned around and heading toward his first loss. Then he showed the combination of natural instinct and power that has earned him a record 41 titles to turn the tables.
Hakuho escaped his predicament against No. 4 maegashira Tochiozan by reaching back and locking up his opponent's arm, then throwing him down to remain the lone unbeaten wrestler after eight days of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka.
No. 4 maegashira Ichinojo, the only other wrestler without a loss to start the day, went down to defeat at the hands of ozeki Tochinoshin, while yokozuna Kakuryu and the ozeki pair of Goeido and Takayasu all won to remain one win off the lead.
Kakuryu fought off a spirited attack by komusubi Hokutofuji (2-6) to eventually push him out of the ring for his seventh win.
Goeido maintained his strong start with an impressive win over sekiwake Tamawashi (4-4). Sent back at the jump-off, Goeido quickly gained a belt hold and went into overdrive to shuffle Tawawashi, winner of the previous New Year tournament, out of the ring.
Tochinoshin, who has the added incentive of fighting for his rank, used a deep belt hold to force Ichinojo over the edge. The Georgian picked up the fifth of the minimum eight wins he needs to remain at the second-highest rank.
Sekiwake Takakeisho continued his drive toward the 10 or so wins he needs for promotion to ozeki by easily pushing out No. 1 maegashira Endo to improve to 6-2.
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