Asakayama Oyakata on Kirishima's promotion chance

[Moti Dichne]

Regarding Ozeki Kirishima's second loss as he aims for promotion to Yokozuna, Chief Judge Asakayama (former Ozeki KaioU) expressed the view that the situation for his promotion to Yokozuna has become more difficult. Kirishima suffered his second loss today against Churanoumi. There was a monoii, but the gyoji's decision was upheld. Including his loss to Hiradoumi on the 5th, both losses were against hiramaku rikishi. Regarding the second loss, Chief Judge Asakayama expressed his hopes for the future, saying, "I hope he will continue to wrestle well with the intention of winning everything," and regarding the need for a high-level championship, he said, "I can't say anything about that yet, but it's only the 9th day. There's still a long way to go." However, when asked if he could make a comeback, he commented, "It's certainly getting tougher. When you consider that his opponents (in his two losses) were hiramaku rikishi... it means that the competition is strong."

Kirishima was 12-3 in the last tournament. He participated in the playoff  match but lost to Wakatakakage. His performance was deemed goof enough for a tsunatori run this basho. Two days before the start of this basho, after the torikumi making meeting, Chief Judge Asakayama said, "Even if he wins the yusho, I think the results and the content of his matches will all be judged. It's a high-level victory he needs," indicating his thoughts on him being promoted to Yokozuna.