Ex-Ozeki Asanoyama prepares

[Moti Dichne]

On the 5th, Asanoyama did some shiko, suriashi and butsugari at his own Takasago beya in Chuo Ward, Osaka. He is preparing for his second basho since returning to Makuuchi after a serious left knee injury for this coming Haru basho, and expressed his readiness saying, "I've been doing degeiko and I feel great,  a good fatigue.. I'm able able to adjust well and will be ready for the first day." He traveled to Sadogatake beya in Matsubara City, Osaka, for two days to train with Kotozakura. "I wanted to train with a strong opponent. I won't be able to regain my sense of rhythm right away, but I hope this will help me move in the right direction," he explained. Asanoyama turned 32 on the 1st. Despite being the oldest of the heya's four sekitori, he was the first to head down to the keiko-ba to work up a sweat. He was unable to face Houshouryuu, who came for degeiko on the 4th due to pain in his left ankle, but he didn't look sad. In the previous tournament, he only managed nine wins, so he declared at his supporters' party, "I'll do my best to win." getting all fired up and stuff.