Troubled grand champion Asashoryu withdrew from the ongoing Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament Sept. 23, citing an injury to the same left elbow he hurt during the Nagoya meet in July.

The Mongolian-born wrestler presented the Japan Sumo Association with a medical certificate saying he will require a three-week rest for a medial collateral ligament injury to the elbow.

It is the first time Asashoryu has pulled out of two consecutive tournaments because of injury. He forfeited the Sept. 23 scheduled bout against fifth-ranked maegashira Goeido.

Asashoryu's withdrawal came a day after his campaign at Ryogoku Kokugikan plunged to new depths with a fourth defeat at the hands of sekiwake Ama.