Sumo: Takayasu, Okinoumi withdraw from New Year meet

Sekiwake Takayasu and No. 12 maegashira Okinoumi withdrew from the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Friday, the sixth day of the 15-day meet at Ryogoku Kokugikan.Former ozeki Takayasu had posted a 1-4 record through Day 5, while Okinoumi had lost all five of his bouts.Takayasu finished joint runner-up at November's Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament after losing a playoff to maegashira Abi, but he struggled from the outset of the current competition.His scheduled opponent for Friday, komusubi Wakamotoharu, will receive a forfeit victory, as will No. 15 Mitoryu, who was due to face Okinoumi.Shoul…READ FULL ARTICLE