TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japan Sumo Association's judges division will hold an extraordinary meeting Sunday, before the final day's action at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, to discuss Hoshoryu's chances of earning promotion to yokozuna should he come from behind to win the championship.

According to association sources, some judges division members are saying Hoshoryu should be promoted if he wins the title, while others are doubtful because of his three losses to rank-and-file wrestlers.

Kinbozan from Kazakhstan goes into the final day owning the sole lead with a 12-2 record, followed by Oho and Mongolian-born ozeki Hoshoryu at 11-3.

Hoshoryu has not won a title in eight tournaments since his July 2023 championship led to his ozeki debut two months later.

Last July, Hoshoryu missed the final three days of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament. Two months later, at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament, he barely eked out an 8-7 winning record.

One member said, "Even if he wins the championship this time, it would be better for us to wait and see for one more tournament."

Earlier during the tournament, sumo's lone yokozuna, the injury-plagued Terunofuji, announced his retirement.