The New Year Grand Sumo Tournament is going down to the final day after the two basho-leading sekiwake won their bouts on Saturday's 14th day at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, and yokozuna Hakuho was forced to withdraw.
Sole leader Tamawashi pushed out No. 5 maegashira Aoiyama (7-7) to collect his 12th victory. Takakeisho also made quick work of his opponent, easily pushing out No. 4 maegashira Okinoumi (6-8) to pick up his 11th win.
Tamawashi can clinch his first career title if he defeats No. 9 maegashira Endo today. If Tamawashi loses and Takakeisho defeats ozeki Goeido, it would force a playoff for the championship.
Hakuho, who suffered a third consecutive loss on Friday after winning his first 10 bouts to start the tournament, submitted documents to the Japan Sumo Association on Saturday, informing it he would pull out because of injuries.
According to stablemaster Miyagino, Hakuho had been experiencing discomfort in right knee since his Day 4 matchup against No. 2 maegashira Hokutofuji. He also hurt his left ankle during his Day 5 bout against No. 2 maegashira Nishikigi.
Hakuho sat out the entire Kyushu tournament in November after undergoing surgery on his right knee.
Ozeki Goeido on Saturday came away with his kachikoshi eighth win by default. Fellow ozeki Takayasu forced out komusubi Mitakeumi to also earn his kachikoshi eighth win.
Three yokozuna started the basho, but all have pulled out, with Kisenosato retiring from the sport after suffering three straight losses to open the tourney.
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