Perennial bridesmaid Kisenosato dug himself out of a hole to maintain a one-win advantage, while Kakuryu became the second yokozuna to withdraw from the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Wednesday, the 11th day of the 15-day basho.

Ozeki Kisenosato (10-1) stayed on course for an elusive first title, but only after very nearly coming up short in the day's penultimate bout against fourth-ranked maegashira Endo (5-6).

Endo got a right-handed grip on Kisenosato's belt but could not hold on, and the ozeki turned the tables to floor him with a kotenage armlock throw.