Yokozuna Hakuho's bid for a second consecutive championship and record-extending 44th overall ended Wednesday with his sudden withdrawal from the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament due to back pain.
The 34-year-old Hakuho informed the Japan Sumo Association of his decision prior to the start of the fourth day of the 15-day tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, leaving him with a 1-3 record.
Hakuho, who won his 43rd career title at the previous Kyushu tournament in November, lost on consecutive days from day two to the two No. 1 maegashira, Endo and Myogiryu, who both earned "kinboshi" for victories over a yokozuna.
According to stablemaster Miyagino, Hakuho pulled out due to a fever stemming from a bacterial infection and because of back pain. The injury occurred when he landed heavily on his back during his loss to Endo.
Hakuho, last withdrew during a tournament at last year's Autumn basho, when he suffered a broken right pinkie.
Last year, he alternated between competing and withdrawing at tournaments. He captured the Emperor's Cup twice, but only wrestled all 15 days of a tournament three times.
With Hakuho's withdrawal, it leaves the tournament with Kakuryu as the lone yokozuna. Kakuryu has struggled as well, losing two of his first three bouts.
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