The race for the Emperor's Cup was thrown wide open on Wednesday as yokozuna Hakuho announced his withdrawal and leaders Asanoyama and Endo both went down to defeat on Day 4 of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.
Hakuho pulled out due to a fever stemming from a bacterial infection and because of back pain. Hakuho informed the Japan Sumo Association of his decision prior to the start of the fourth day, leaving him with a 1-3 record.
Fellow yokozuna Kakuryu fell farther off the pace when he was pushed out by No. 1 maegashira Myogiryu for his third loss.
Newly promoted sekiwake Asanoyama was dealt his first loss when he was barged out by komusubi Abi, who used an effective slapping attack.
No. 1 maegashira Endo, who got off to a spectacular start with wins over Kakuryu, Hakuho and ozeki Goeido, was pushed down by ozeki Takakeisho, leaving both with 3-1 records.
Goeido earned his first win by defeating komusubi Daieisho (1-3) with a headlock throw.
Through four days, only four wrestlers -- all maegashira ranked -- remain undefeated. No. 4 maegashira Shodai forced out sekiwake Takayasu (2-2) to improve to 4-0 along with No. 2 maegashira Hokutofuji, No. 11 maegashira Kagayaki and No. 14 maegashira Terutsuyoshi.
Hokutofuji received his win from Hakuho by default to stay unbeaten.
One of the interesting matches of the day saw No. 6 maegashira Tochinoshin take full advantage of his 191-centimeter height against 168-centimeter No. 5 maegashira Enho, literally lifting him up and depositing him outside the ring.
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