Grand champion Kisenosato withdrew from the ongoing Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament Thursday citing a knee injury, the latest in a string of setbacks that will again raise the prospect of his retirement.
The news comes a day after Kisenosato, the first Japan-born wrestler in 19 years to gain promotion to sumo's highest rank, suffered his fourth consecutive defeat at the 15-day meet at Fukuoka Kokusai Center where he was the sole yokozuna competing.
"I entered the meet in good condition but sustained a new injury (to my right knee) on opening day," said Kisenosato, who has struggled to shake nagging injuries to his knee, ankle, and chest and arm muscles.