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.
Should he be unable to return to competition, former sekiwake Okinoumi faces demotion to the second-tier juryo division for the first time since September 2010.
With sole grand champion Terunofuji on the sidelines following knee surgery, a total of five wrestlers are now absent from the top two divisions.
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