Rikishi talk day 1

[Moti Dichne]

Day1:

Mitakeumi' demolishing Takanoshou: "I fell good. I was able to do the sumo I imagined.  I feel that I'm in good shape..'

Takarafuji, being the tachimochi during Terunofuji's first Yokozuna dohyo-iri, looking at him and remembering the hardships he had endured: " I was watching his back, it was moist and seemed to shine.."

Shoudai, losing his first bout, losing to Houshouryuu for the third straight time: "I didn't see a good image.. My tachiai was excellent, and I want to gambarize from tomorrow again. I want to show healthy sumo that won't show my age.  It would be great if I could be involved in the yusho race..."

Takakeishou, losing to Hokutofuji, and asked about his neck and in general about his condition: "I'm OK.. I wasn't especially nervous. I was planning on doing good sumo, but.." He answered quite weakly and seemed lacking self confidence, a cause for concern, says the reporter.

Houshouryuu, beating Shoudai on day 1: "I was patient and that was good. I'd like to gambarize in order to be able to my own brand of sumo.."

Hokutofuji, beating Takakeishou: "I was able to get a proper first step in and that was good. I always feel I need to move forward and I'm glad that I brought that feeling to the basho. An Ozeki is an Ozeki, kadoban or not. All I was thinking about was to move forward with all I had.."