Embattled yokozuna Kisenosato's career continued in a downward spiral on Tuesday after he lost his third consecutive match since the start of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo.
It was the eighth straight defeat, excluding a loss by default, for the 32-year-old since the Autumn tourney in September, marking the worst losing streak by a yokozuna since the 15-day tournament format was adopted in 1949.
After the jump-off, Kisenosato went hard at No. 1 maegashira Tochiozan, but was eventually forced out after losing his balance in a closely watched bout at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
This tournament is a critical basho for the Japanese top-ranked wrestler.
Meanwhile, yokozuna Hakuho managed to stay perfect by eventually throwing out tenacious No. 1 maegashira Ichinojo (2-1).
In the day's final bout between yokozuna Kakuryu and No. 2 maegashira Nishikigi, ringside judges needed to confer after Nishikigi was ruled the victor. The judges determined the initial decision correct, making the maegashira 3-0 and giving the yokozuna his second loss.
The trio of ozeki also went winless. Komusubi Mitakeumi stayed perfect by throwing out Goeido (0-3). Takayasu (1-2) went down to No. 2 maegashira Hokutofuji (3-0), while Tochinoshin remained winless with a loss to komusubi Myogiryu (1-2).
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