Degeiko day..

[Moti Dichne]

Big degeiko day today. Wakatakakage hosted Abi, Kiribayama and Hokutofuji for some fierce training. "I am grateful I was able to train with all sorts of sekitori," he said later. A lot of fans were standing outside  the heya pressing their noses against the glass windows to watch. There were actually six sekitori, with Wakamotoharu and  Koutokuzan there as well. Wakatakakage had 17 bouts, attacking from a low stance as usual. 9-8 against the likes of Abi and Kiribayama. "I want to properly start off from day 1. All i can do is seriously and properly go about my preparations.." he summed.

Abi had 16 bouts and was looking sharp. "The basho is around the corner so I think I'm in good shape. Things didn't go my way last basho (7-8). I have learned from that. I plan on coming here for the next three days as well to train. Other than that, i will be listening to my body," he said.

Kiribayama came to the degeiko with ex-Kakuryuu and had the most bouts, 20, winning12, mostly facing Wakatakakage. "I really got into it today. It was great. I was really wild during the session and had to apologize after it was over, " he told us. He has been going to Arashio beya for a few days now.

 Wakamotoharu had nine bouts and was 4-5, facing the stiffest opposition he ever faced. "I faced the joi guys today and they are all strong. I can't even measure up yo my brother..I was just looking for a small reward.. I've got some ways to go..I wonder if the advantage we had as a heya with relatively many sekitori will vanish because degeiko is allowed now for a while. I climbed the banzuke during the  no-degeiko period, so I wonder.." he wondered. "Sanyaku? I can't see that yet. All i can see is the next banzuke. I haven't been a year in Makuuchi yet and it will be an honor facing the top guys next basho. I'm just happy to be here.." he summed.