Preparations and updates ahead of the Kyushu tournament

Onosato outperforms Kotozakura in practice

Onosato won 14 of 20 practice bouts against ozeki Kotozakura at a joint training session of the Nishonoseki group in Fukuoka on November 2. The yokozuna showed power and resilience, but said he does not want to become complacent before the tournament. Onosato won the autumn tournament, but has yet to win at Kyushu; he also recalled injuring his left shoulder there last year. The Kyushu tournament, one of six annual professional sumo championships, begins on November 8.

Sources: 日刊スポーツ

Onosato's profile →Kotozakura's profile →

Wakatakakage wins five bouts, but has not confirmed his return

Wakatakakage won all five of his bouts at a joint practice session of the Tokitsukaze group in Fukuoka Prefecture on November 2. It was his first practice against sekitori from other stables since surgery on his left leg. The result is an encouraging sign after missing two consecutive tournaments, but it does not confirm that he will compete at Kyushu. His stablemaster said they expect to decide about his participation around November 5, depending on how his body responds. The tournament begins on November 8.

Sources: 日刊スポーツ

Wakatakakage's profile →

Estonian recruit candidate passes physical entry examination

Anatori, a 20-year-old Estonian candidate training at Shikoroyama stable, passed the physical entry examination held in Fukuoka on November 2. He measured 179 centimeters and weighed 128 kilograms, above the required minimums. He also said he broke a grip-strength meter during the strength test. Anatori has a wrestling background and became Estonia’s sumo champion at age 13. His ring debut still depends on obtaining a work visa; if it goes ahead, he would be the third Estonian wrestler in professional sumo.

Sources: 日刊スポーツ