Sumo champion Kisenosato retires

Reuters-Sumo wrestling grand champion Kisenosato retired on Wednesday (January 16) following a third successive loss at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament. The 32-year-old was the only Japanese-born wrestler to currently hold the top rank of yokozuna. "I have no regrets in my life as a sumo wrestler," Kisenosato said at an emotional news conference on Wednesday. On his yokozuna debut, he won a second successive championship but then injuries kicked in to hamper further progress. "(After my injury), I have worked very hard," Kisenosato added as he broke into tears. Japan's top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga was one of a number to pay homage throughout the day on Wednesday. There are now only two active yokozuna; Mongolian-born pair Hakuho Sho and Kakuryu Rikisaburo.