Yokozuna Kakuryu notified the Japan Sumo Association on Thursday of his withdrawal from the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
According to stablemaster Michinoku, Kakuryu was suffering from a left ankle injury before the start of the tournament. The yokozuna had a 1-3 record through the first four days of the basho.
Fellow yokozuna Hakuho withdrew on Wednesday. Two tournaments ago in September, both yokozuna also withdrew from the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.
Kakuryu has now pulled out of three consecutive tournaments. The yokozuna set a goal at the start of this year to appear in all six tournaments in 2020.
"He couldn't keep his footing at the start of the bouts and make steady tachiai face-offs," Michinoku said. "I hope he will be in good shape so that he can endure the training session for the spring tournament."
Mitakeumi, the No. 2 maegashira who was scheduled to face Kakuryu on Thursday, was expected to be declared the winner by default.
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