Ozeki Kisenosato is looking for his elusive first championship and another chance for promotion to sumo's highest rank, with injured yokozuna Hakuho not standing in his way, at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament which begins Sunday.

Hakuho, who boasts a record 37 championships, is sitting out the entire 15-day tourney at Ryogoku Kokugikan after he was ruled out for four weeks with left knee joint derangement and injuries also to his right big toe and calf, according to a medical certificate submitted to the Japan Sumo Association.

The development could prove crucial for Kisenosato's aspirations.