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SUMO | Takakeisho Aiming to Bolster Yokozuna Promotion Chances at Spring Basho
Ozeki grappler Takakeisho will need to capture the March tournament title to convince sumo officials he's worthy of promotion to the sport's highest rank.
Read the full story on SportsLook - Takakeisho Aiming to Bolster Yokozuna Promotion Chances at Spring Basho
The big question heading in the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament is whether ozeki Takakeisho will produce the type of result that will earn him promotion to sumo's highest rank.
In other words, can he win his second straight Emperor's Cup?
The second grand sumo tournament of the year kicks off on Sunday, March 12 at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium.
Takakeisho won the New Year Basho with a record of 12-3. It was his third makuuchi division championship overall and put him in line for possible promotion to grand champion.
Double-digit wins in four straight tournaments ― a career first ― and no injury withdrawals over the past 12 months have put the 26-year-old Takakeisho in the best position he's been in to earn promotion to sumo's highest rank.
"I want to display powerful performances so that I can live up to the expectations of the fans," Takakeisho said in an interview on Monday, February 27.
Terunofuji Sidelined Again
Lone yokozuna Terunofuji decided on Friday, March 10 to sit out the 15-day tournament to continue his recovery from knee surgery.
Continue reading the full story on SportsLook.
Follow daily sumo coverage throughout the Spring Basho on SportsLook.
Author: Jim Armstrong
The author is a longtime journalist who has covered sports in Japan for over 25 years. You can find his articles on SportsLook.
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