YDC soken
Moti Dichne
For the first time in 4 years the YDC soken was open to the public for free and held at the Kokugikan. 4000 fans. "Everybody trained well! I'm really happy that the fans got to finally watch this session- the crowd was really into it.." declared Yokozuna Terunofuji who did not do any sumo but watched from the sidelines and was impressed. He did lend his chest to kadoban Kirishima, though."He seems to be the one closest to becoming Yokozuna. He looked very good in training today. My knees are much better. As for the back, I am slowly going through the healing process.. I'd like to be able to be ready for the basho.." he said. I'm guessing out for Aki, as he hasn't done any real sumo yet.
Kirishima faced fellow Ozekis Takakeishou and Houshouryuu and others and was 13-4 . He then borrowed Terunofuji's chest. "I thought it would be good for me. I am thankful," he said. Takakeishou was 6-6 overall. Houshouryuu was 7-7, which means that Kirishima had the most bouts amongst the Ozeki. "I really didn't want to lose even one bout.." he summed.
First time sanyaku Komusubi Nishikigi was there as well. During butsugari, he injured his right calf. "I think I pulled a muscle. I was doing really well till today and now this.." he said, dejected. This serious rikishi was first on the dohyo today as usual and was giving it his all. "It's my first stint at sanyaku so I'm looking for a kachikoshi and I will be going all out," he said. By the look of things, he's out as well.
Takakeishou faced the 2 Ozeki, Wakamotoharu and Daieishou- 6-6. He was seen easily shoving out Daieishou and Houshouryuu at some point. "I was planning on concentrating on one bout at a time. I don't have a lot of opportunities to face these guys on the dohyo, so it was a good day," he explained. No bandages. "I'm totally fine. The knee is not a problem. I hope to be able to go all out. I think I will be 100% ready. Still, I am coming off an injury," he said. "I am not thinking about the 2 new Ozeki at all. I just want to be healthy and stir things up and be in the yusho race for the fans.. An Ozeki can only hope for a yusho- no special prizes for us. I am only aiming for the yusho! If I do what I'm capable of doing, the results will follow, I reckon. If I concentrate and continue to do what I've done so far there won't be a problem.." he declared.