Ozeki Takakeisho began his bid for promotion to sumo's highest rank of yokozuna with an opening-day defeat to komusubi Mitakeumi at the new coronavirus-hit New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday.
At Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, where a state of emergency has been in force since Thursday, nervous-looking November champion Takakeisho was unable to overpower his opponent. He tried to yank Mitakeumi down, but lost his balance when he failed to make contact, allowing the komusubi to push him out of the ring.
After five wrestlers tested positive on Saturday, the Japan Sumo Association said the tournament could be canceled if more wrestlers become infected. A total of 65 wrestlers will miss the tourney after being infected.