Officers of the Sumo Association moved rapidly to carry out a revolutionary change in the Grand Champion system which has been in force since the feudal days of the Shogunate.
    Under the new system which will be enforced from the summer tournament in May, Grand Champions making a poor showing or absenting themselves will be subject to demotion. Hitherto, wrestlers attaining the coveted rank of Grand Champion could not be dropped to a lower rank irrespective of his record.
    The historical decision came as a result of protests from fans and from the younger officers in the Sumo Association arising from the withdrawal of all three Grand Champions from the current spring tournament.
    Meanwhile, Champion Chiyonoyama suffered his first defeat on the seventh day of the current 15 day tournament.