Aonishiki

[Moti Dichne]

Ukrainian Maegashira 1E Aonishiki, who was in the running for the yusho until the final day of Nagoya, revealed that he had hurt his left shoulder during the basho. He showed his strength in keiko against Makushita and lower division opponents during the summer jungyo Gifu tour yesterday (when keiko started between  Makuuchi rikishi), but did not participate in keiko matches between the sekitori  After keiko, tour director Sakaigawa Oyakata who was watching ringside, called Aonishiki over to ask about his condition. "I asked him why he wasn't practicing, and he said, 'My shoulder hurts,'" he explained. Aonishiki himself said, "I'll start keiko soon. I hurt my shoulder during the basho." The summer Jungyo will visit 24 locations over 26 days. Since there is still time until Aki Basho (starting September 14th at the Ryogoku Kokugikan), it appears he will be preparing himself whilst keeping an eye on the state of the injured area.