Latest-Asashouryuu and others

[Kintamayama 47,160]

Asashouryuu was injured in keiko on the 19th, in a bout against Shoes-on or Kakizoe, no one knows for sure. It was a "sternocostal cartilage damage + muscle injury/inflammation as preliminary diagnosis with possible fracture", diagnosed by Dr. Mikko. Worry was abounding that if serious, this may hamper his wish for a consecutive yusho hunt. Early on, it was diagnosed that there is no fracture. He stopped all keiko at the jungyo for four days, and did only dohyo-iris. Then he slowly went back to shikos. Now, he is back to full training, and is optimistic about Kyushu. "There is no fracture to the bone. The pulled muscle is much better. In about a week, I will go full steam ahead," he said.

Chiyotaikai admitted that he has wedding plans. And Yusho plans. The 18th was his girl Kawamura Hikaru's birthday, and he called her from the shitakubeya to say Happy Birthday and other related stuff. Present? "You all know. Just report what you see. I'm not doing anything wrong!", he said, referring to that Saipan trip a few months back. "I'm going for the Kyushu yusho!!, he said. It looks like next year will be a tsunatori and a yome-tori (bride-seeking) year.

Kakizoe has been injured slightly in asageiko two days ago. Left knee. He went to the local hospital (local doctors seem to be Sumo-busy lately..). Diagnosis: Ligament seems OK, so it's being called a minor injury. He has had problems with torn ligaments in the past and underwent serious surgery as well. He will be resuming keiko, while keeping a close look at his situation. "Well, it's not a serious injury, so it's OK. I don't think it will have any effect on my performance in Kyushu", he said, visibly relieved.

Edited October 25, 2003 by Kintamayama

[Kaikitsune Makoto 210]

KaioU had 13 bouts with Hokutoriki, Buyuzan and others winning 11 and losing 2. He hasn't had the best of preparations so far but is eager to do well in his home honbasho. More later.