Training news- the two Makuuchi newbies

[Moti Dichne]

Shin-new-maku (Makuuchi Newcomer) Kotoeihou had eight training bouts at home today against shin-new-maku Fujinokawa and others who had come for degeiko. He faced Makuuchi rikishi Ouhou, said Fujinokawa, and Juryo Nishikigi who had also come for degeiko. After that, sanban- geiko (sumo against the same opponent) began between Fujinokawa and himself. However, he injured his left elbow when he was sukuinage'd by his opponent in the first bout. With a look of anguish on his face, the sanban geiko came to an abrupt end. In an interview after the session, he explained, "It's my elbow. I think I'll be able to compete in the basho, so I'm fine." As for his new entry into the top division, he said, "I've been able to put in a lot of practice, and I think the content is good. Now I just want to get my elbow fully healed and prepare for the tournament. There's nothing else I can do, so I'll just do my best."

Newcomer Fujinokawa went to Sadogatake beya for degeiko today.. He had seven bouts against fellow Makuuchi Ouhou , newcomer Kotoeihou and Juryo Nishikigi winning five and losing two. He then had two bouts against Ozeki Kotozakura. There was a moment when he got his right hand in and then pushed his opponent out of the ring, "I had a chance to do it once before. It was in training, but this was the first time I won. It was yorikiri." He changed his name from Wakaikari with his fresh promotion to Makuuchi,  inheriting the traditional shikona of Isenoumi beya, which has a history of 148 years since its founding. After keiko, he is often asked for autographs by fans, and he signs "Fujinokawa" in his practiced handwriting. "Anyone can write 'nokawa,' so I learned 'Fuji' by watching YouTube. Those characters are in regular script, so I'm getting more and more used to writing them and I'm improving," he said with a smile. With his debut in the top division fast approaching, he said, "I've been practicing hard and I'm looking forward to it."