Kisenosato's hopes of capturing his first championship title were given another boost after his scheduled opponent on Friday, fellow ozeki Goeido, withdrew from the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
Goeido pulled out due to a right ankle injury, his stablemaster Sakaigawa said.
The withdrawal earned Kisenosato a win by default, leaving him with a 12-1 record and still in sole possession of the lead with two days remaining at the 15-day basho at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.