Day 6: Takanosho Goes 5-1 the Day Before His 32nd Birthday
East Maegashira 11 Takanosho, 31 (Minatogawa), forced out West Maegashira 9 Asakoryu, 28 (Takasago), on Day 6 to go 5-1. Asakoryu moved slightly at the tachi-ai, but Takanosho was ready: 'It was in the back of my mind, so I expected it. After taking it, I didn't panic and got both arms in.' He says his body and reactions feel good. At Aki in September he withdrew from Day 13 with a ligament injury in his left ankle and sat out the autumn tour, using the time at the stable to rebuild his basics; being stuck indoors while injured was 'no hardship at all. I'm not an outdoors person.' He turns 32 on November 14: 'I think some acquaintances will invite me out; if not, I'll spend it with everyone at the stable.' His goal for the new year: 'I have to stay injury-free and aim higher and higher. I want it to be a year of leaping forward with few injuries' (Nikkan Sports).