Abi Goes Down at the Edge Against Asahakuryu, Leaves Limping; Reported to Have Twisted His Right Ankle
Sporting News Japan reports a worrying moment on Kyushu Day 2 for Maegashira 12 Abi (Shikoroyama), who lost to Maegashira 11 Asahakuryu (Takasago) by oshitaoshi (JSA results); both had entered at 1-0. After a false start by Asahakuryu, Abi opened with a two-handed thrust, but Asahakuryu, working from below, drove him to the edge, where Abi collapsed from his right knee and stayed on one knee grimacing. Asahakuryu offered a hand; Abi got up on his own and bowed, but leaned on a yobidashi's shoulder leaving the dohyo and limped down the hanamichi.
The NHK replay showed his right knee buckle inward just before he fell. The hanamichi reporter relayed that he had twisted his right ankle and that he said he was all right. Abi tore a muscle near the back of his right knee before the January 2020 basho and, without sitting out, went 5-10. The article says the old injury does not appear to be affected for now but warns that favoring the ankle could cause problems.