Aonishiki, again

[Moti Dichne]

Aonishiki went for degeiko at Arashio beya in Sakai City on the 4th, winning all seven bouts against Sekiwake Kirishima and Komusubi Wakamotoharu. He concluded his session with a serious look on his face, saying, "The keiko went smoothly. Now I just need to prepare properly." He excelled in thrusts, pushes, and attacks from a low stance leading with his head. He kept the san'yaku rikishi at bay and commented with satisfaction, "It was good keiko ." Regarding his training so far, he remained calm and collected, saying, "It's the same as always. I won't change what I do." At the Hatsu Basho, he became the first rikishi in 89 years to win two consecutive yusho as a Sekiwake and new Ozeki. If he achieves promotion from new Ozeki to Yokozuna in two basho, he will become only the third rikishi since the Showa era, following Futabayama and Terukuni. Even with the Haru basho looming, where attention is growing due to his record, he spoke with conviction, saying, "I'm where I am today because of my performance in the previous tournament." He will take some rest days and then make final preparations at his heya, Ajigawa. The 21-year-old Ozeki from Ukraine said, "I'll keep doing the same thing." He doesn't seem to feel any pressure or excitement about challenging for the highest rank.