Hakuho withdraws from Haru Basho.

[Swami]

Hakuho pulls out of Spring Grand Sumo Tournament
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 09 March 2018
Hits: 11

Yokozuna Hakuho decided Friday to withdraw from the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament starting this weekend to treat a toe injury, exiting his second straight meet because of health problems.

The all-time record holder for tournament victories is still three weeks away from fully rehabilitating a damaged ligament in his left big toe, according to stable master Miyagino. The Mongolian withdrew early in the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in January with injuries to both big toes.

Hakuho is the second grand champion to quit the March 11-25 tournament at Edion Arena Osaka, with Kisenosato earlier this week withdrawing because of an ongoing chest injury.

Kakuryu will start the tournament as the sole yokozuna in competition. The Mongolian, who had also been under an injury cloud after hurting his right ring finger on the final day of the New Year meet, earlier confirmed his participation in the Osaka tourney.

Takanoiwa, who was injured in a beating by former yokozuna Harumafuji last fall, will compete as the 12th-ranked wrestler in the second-tier juryo division, making his first appearance in three tournaments.

Swami

 

[Michelle Stevens]

This was by far a bigger surprise than with Kisenosato. Only yokozuna Kakuryu competing next week. It would be nice to have all three yokozuna back in a tourney.

 

[Swami]

This was by far a bigger surprise than with Kisenosato. Only yokozuna Kakuryu competing next week. It would be nice to have all three yokozuna back in a tourney.

It will a miracle if all three yokozuna are still active by the end of this year.

Swami