Hiradoumi Beats Takerufuji After Degeiko With Both Yokozuna
East Maegashira 5 Hiradoumi, 26 (Sakaigawa), the Nagasaki native, beat East Maegashira 4 Takerufuji, 27 (Isegahama), by hikiotoshi on Day 1. Nikkan Sports says he had taken degeiko with both yokozuna, Onosato and Hoshoryu, before the basho, and that those sessions helped him stay calm. 'I'm grateful. Beating a yokozuna gives you confidence. I think I was able to stay composed today,' he said.
He said he can feel the hometown Kyushu support and, after two basho in which he 'hasn't been able to show much,' wants to show something better this year by moving forward.
Source: Yahoo! Japan Sports