Kisenosato gained an unwanted place in sumo history on Wednesday at the Kyushu Grand Tournament in Fukuoka, becoming the first yokozuna since the start of the 15-day format to collect four straight losses from the start of a basho.
The yokozuna was declared the loser to No. 2 maegashira Tochiozan in a close match that ended with the two crashing out of the ring together after Tochiozan made a desperate throw at the edge.
The referee declared Kisenosato the winner, but the ringside judges reversed the decision after concluding that Kisenosato's shoulder had touched down a split second faster.
No yokozuna had started the first four days winless since the 15-day format was adopted in 1949.
Tochiozan improved his record to 4-0, sharing the lead with ozeki Takayasu and komusubi Takakeisho.
Takayasu easily beat No. 3 maegashira Nishikigi to remain unbeaten. After the two collided at the jump-off, the ozeki skillfully used Nishikigi's momentum to slap him down.
Takakeisho continued his strong run by manhandling No. 4 maegashira Shodai. The up-and-coming komusubi delivered speedy, powerful thrusts after the jump-off, soon sending the maegashira out of the ring.
In other action, ozeki Tochinoshin forced out komusubi Kaisei to improve to 3-1, while ozeki Goeido pulled down No. 2 maegashira Tamawashi to even his record at 2-2.
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