Daieishou getting ready

[Moti Dichne]

Daieishou is preparing very seriously. Yesterday he had 10 bouts and was 8-2. Today he had 15 bouts going 13-2 against heyamates Tobizaru, Daishouhou and Daiamami. He faced them continuously for 13 minutes, not leaving the dohyo at all after entering it till the end of the session. As the heya is situated a one hour drive from the city, (it can even take two hours during heavy traffic) no degeiko for the Oitekaze guys. "At this point I'm really tired but I'm able to do some good keiko. It's my first official Ozeki challenge so I want to take advantage of this chance and get ready mentally as well. I said in an interview that if I can utilize all my power, I will succeed and now I have to stand by my words by doing serious keiko. I can't slack off. I have to feel strongly about it," he emphasized. "I think my power, mentality  ring sense, and basho results are all much better than last year. I am still regretting falling short of the yusho in March.. I will be gambarizing and aiming for the yusho!!" he summed.