Day 12 rikishi talk
Moti Dichne
Day 12:
During the Juryo dohyo-iri, Nishikigi was called Nishikifuji by the announcer. Not out of the question, such a mistake. "I've never seen such a thing!! Wow," said a housewife from Sapporo on Tsuwitaa. Nishikigi later won his bout.
The battle of those with three loses was won by Ounoshou (against Mitakeumi) today. "I was able to move forward and attack well. I was properly thinking of moving forward, so that is good. The yusho race? I'm not thinking of that specifically. I'm concentrating on a day at a time and will properly go about it seriously!"
Kadoban Ozeki Takakeishou go his kachikoshi today. NOBODY thought he could do that after day 3: "Today, like all days, I knew I could only concentrate and do my best. That was all I was thinking about. I wanted to be assertive. My result will be final when this is all over. If I don't have the ability, I would get a makekoshi. It's all about the result. I can only concentrate!" It is the first time since the kadoban system was established in July 1969 that a kadoban rikishi lost his first three bouts and managed to get a kachikoshi. "With four losses, I can't be thinking of the yusho race. I just have to go all out. To that end, I shall be concentrating on tomorrow's bout, mathematical possibility notwithstanding.."
Meisei, beating Terunofuji and making the race somewhat more interesting: "I was planning on somehow confusing the Yokozuna , even a bit. I was absorbed in the moment. It was the first time I beat him., and more than saying we are from the same class, my opponent is the Yokozuna. I wasn't thinking too much about it and went with all I had. I still need that kachikoshi. I shall go out there again tomorrow fully concentrated. I don't want to go out there overthinking the fact that I need to win.."
Endou wins and remains in the yusho race. He rarely says anything, and when he does, he says nothing: " I was thinking that I needed to properly do my own sumo. I shall gambarize!"
Ura, first makekoshi in two years: "I'm just trying to go out there every day feeling the same way, but.. It's very hard. There are three bouts left so I will be going all out and gambarizing!"
Abi, 10th win in Juryo and a Makuuchi return looming after 7 bashos: "Before the basho I was thinking of a return to Makuuchi, but as soon as the basho started I have not given it a thought. I am able to go about it with astounding concentration!"
Chiyotairyuu, losing but closing in on kachikoshi: "The fact I allowed my opponent to get a double inside grip was bad. I think my body is as healthy as a guy in his twenties.."
Kagayaki, handing Myougiryuu his third loss: "I was able to pressure him without my legs stopping and by moving forward. If I can consistently do this kind of sumo the results will follow.".
Shimanoumi, winning on his Oyakata Kise's 52nd birthday: "The flow after the tachiai was good. I was able to properly put pressure on my opponent. It's my Oyakata's birthday so I'm happy I can celebrate it with a win!"
Kaisei, 2nd straight basho with a makekoshi: "My power has significantly dropped. I feel I am getting weaker and weaker every year.."
Daieishou, winning quickly and one win away from kachikoshi: "I just want to properly do my own sumo till the end in the remaining days. I'm still lacking in power and I just need to train and become stronger."
Ichinojou, beating Ozeki Shoudai and now evening his record at 6-6: "I want to do my best to win on the remaining days.."
Shoudai, losing to Ichinojou who he was 3-9 against, 4th loss "I should have grabbed his mawashi or got some kind of a hold and somehow stopped his forward movement.."