Nishikifuji and the matta

[Moti Dichne]

Nishikifuji lost to Fujinokawa today after a matta was called, bringing his record to 9 wins and 5 losses. At the start of the bout, Fujinokawa shifted to the left. As Nishikifuji moved to try and grab him, the gyoji called a matta. The match was restarted from the beginning. This time, Fujinokawa got inside Nishikifuji at the tachiai and pushed him out of the dohyo. Nishikifuji has been suffering from a herniated disc in his neck for some time, and confessed that he felt "electric shock" during the first bout. He explained that "he lost strength in his legs and arms." Reflecting on the tachiai he said, "I think our breathing was in sync, but it was stopped. If it had continued like that, I think I could have won..." He also showed dissatisfaction with the rematch, saying, "It's a one-shot deal, and that's how I go for it.. There are some things I'm not happy about." On the other hand, he was dignified, saying, "In the match itself, I lost because I was weak. It can't be helped." With one day remaining, he shifted his focus, saying, "I want to get treatment and make adjustments. I'm well aware of how to handle it."