Day 5- Rikishi talk
Moti Dichne
Day 5:
New Juryo Asashiyuu (Murata) on getting his first win as a sekitori: "At least I now have one win. I'd like to make this a turning point and ride the flow on the road to recovery.. I( was aiming to grab my opponent's belt but I couldn't get my right hand in. But I did not get confused and attacked from underneath and that was good.. I have felt that my body was moving well since day one so all I need is to improve my first step and do forward-moving sumo.."
Juryo Abi, 3-2 and in a position to return to Makuuchi: "I was able to concentrate. I think the content was good. Physically I have ben100% since day 1 but I was having difficulties concentrating. I shall do my best to concentrate from tomorrow."
Tsurugishou, coming off a virus scare with a 40 centigrade fever, turns out it was cellulitis, winning with a henka upon his return today: "I had an IV drip this morning. I planned on making the bout as quick as possible. I wasn't thinking of doing good sumo. I just wanted that win, regardless of fever or leg pains.."
Shoudai, facing Wakatakakage who beat him the last three times they met: "Truth be told, I had no image in my head, but that helped me just go all out. My timing and my first step were good. If I can repeat this kind of sumo the results should follow." Hakkaku on Shoudai: "When he got his yusho he was mostly moving forward. It reminds me of how he did today. He should remember the feeling of how it was back then.."
Takakeishou, beating Kotonowaka and getting his second win: "I am me so I need to gambarize on my own. I'll be thinking about what I want to do and how I want to do it.."
Kotonowaka, losing in his first Ozeki match: "The atmosphere and the flow were different. I felt that I won't be able to win unless I get stronger mentally."
Chiyonokuni, tied for the lead, winning at the last minute: "My body responded well. I think I have been properly concentrating day by day.."
Hidenoumi winning by the rare kimarite ushiromotare: "My opponent had the advantage at the tachiai, but I think my flow was good. He's a small guy but he's strong and I didn't want him to grab my mawashi. It seemed a bit coincidental, but instead of fussing about I was assertive. At the end, I pushed him out with my back. I saw that my throw was not enough to get him out of the dohyo.. It was by accident."
Ura, winning by the spectacular okuritsuridashi: "I have to watch it first to comment on it.. When I got his back I may have hurried things a little. That's the part that is dangerous if not done right.." He seemed to have been inspired by a Makushita bout he saw today between Amanoshima and Dainichidou- Amanoshima was behind Dainichidou pushing him out and suddenly collapsed and couldn't win, losing by the non-kimarite tsukihiza. "That was swimming in my mind.. It's the first time I did it- one more for the bag.. I'm really happy."
Terunofuji, beating Kiribayama and remaining unbeaten: "I was thinking of going about it calmly. I wasn't in a position to make any moves.. I have only been thinking of going about it calmly these last five days. I was able to concentrate on each bout at a time.."
Takadagawa Oyakata, chief judge during the second half: "Terunofuji was calmly waiting to get into the position that he liked. He was being very careful. Kiribayama also did well, but couldn't finish it off.."