Akebono, Musashimaru
are unbeaten

OSAKA, Japan - Grand champion Takanohana fell to his first loss today and his brother, champion Wakanohana, withdrew from the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament with a torn right-thigh muscle.

The upset loss and surprise withdrawal left grand champion Akebono sharing the lead at 4-0 with Musashimaru, Takanonami and Kaio.

Kotonowaka dropped Takanohana in an instant when the grand champion lunged straight at his chest at the face-off and lost his footing.

Wakanohana, who won the New Year's tourney in January, saw his chances of reaching sumo's top rank vanish when he came down hard while throwing down Kyokushuzan yesterday.

Akebono, or Chad Rowan from Hawaii, barreled out Musoyama with two quick shoves and Musashimaru, or Fiamalu Penitani from Hawaii, blasted out Tosanoumi.

Konishiki, or Salevaa Atisanoe from Hawaii, fell to Tochinowaka and is 0-4. He defaulted his first two bouts because of the flu.

Yamamto, or George Kalima of Hawaii, lost to Shikishima and dropped to 2-2.