As the March tournament nears, the Japan Sumo Association released the Haru Basho rankings for the sumo wrestlers on February 25. This time, there will be one more Mongolian wrestler in the elite division increasing the number to eight. Ryuo, who once stepped into the elite division, but was demoted from the makuuchi division, enters the highest division for the upcoming competition. He will be ranked as west maegashira #16, which is the lowest possible rank in the elite division. Aside from Ryuo, all other Mongolian wrestlers are ranked relatively high compared with other wrestlers. Kyokutenho, who proved last time that he was still in shape and won 10 out of 15, is now ranked as west maegashira #4, while Tokitenku, who ended as the sole Mongolian wrestler, did not achieve the 50% mark at the New Year’s tournament and will now compete as east maegashira #3.

The east and west maegashira slots are both reserved for the Mongolians Asasekiryu and Kakuryu. Asasekiryu won 10 times and Kakuryu one more in the last tournament. There are three Mongolian wrestlers which have a title. Ama will now again compete as a sekiwake looking casually for an ozeki promotion. If he wins 12 or more this time the JSA may discuss promoting him to an ozeki. The specialists say that with a body in good shape, and a bit of luck, there is a chance to be promoted. For the two Mongolian champions, yokozuna Hakuho will again occupy the prestigious east yokozuna slot for his third time, while yokozuna Asashoryu will be placed at the less regarded west yokozuna slot.

This time it is clear that Asashoryu will do his best to celebrate his comeback after a two tournament suspension. But Hakuho, who is looking for his fourth basho win in a row will also be a tough opponent for him. Asa’s Mongolian and fewer Japanese fans are crossing their fingers for him. If he loses the Emperor’s Cup again he will certainly disappoint his fans. After the rankings were released, journalists asked Hakuho about Asashoryu during a press conference in Osaka. Hakuho joked, “He sat out those two basho, so I can’t let him yusho for two basho.

” Regarding the Osaka basho, which he won last year, Hakuho stated, “My first ever basho was right here. It’s been a good omen for me.” Regarding his duties as a Yokozuna, he answered, “A Yokozuna has responsibility. My goal is four in a row. There’s nothing more to add.” Asashoryu did not hold any press conference after the rankings were released.

The UB Post

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