Late news from the Japanese press seems to report that Yokozuna Kakuryu, who was nursing an abysmal 5-5 record, has withdrawn from the Hatsu basho. No reason is given for the statement, but in the past Kakuryu has suffered from a number of chronic injuries, most acutely his lower back.
This, of course, saves Kotoshogiku from doom for day 11.
Wow. This is huge news. Kotoshogiku gets a pass. Who’s left? Probably Hakuho, then Terunofuji, Ikioi, Tochiozan? Any loss, Kotoshogiku drops to Sekiwake.