a day ago
Sumo: Kotozakura bids to get back on track by focusing on basics
MATSUDO, Japan (Kyodo) -- Ozeki Kotozakura resumed wrestling practice Friday in preparation for next month's Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, emphasizing a back-to-basics approach as he seeks to overcome a run of lackluster results.
The 27-year-old has been devoting time to "shiko" stomping exercises and footwork drills since the May tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan arena, where he scraped together a winning record of 8-7.
"If you ask me what's needed, I think the basics come first," Kotozakura said.
The sparring session at his Sadogatake stable in the city of Matsudo, in his native Chiba Prefecture, was a chance to apply the recent strength and agility training against opponents in the ring.
"I'm doing it through trial and error," he said.
Kotozakura took part in the rope-tying ceremony for newly promoted yokozuna grand champion Onosato at the end of last month. He acknowledged his frustration at being surpassed by the younger star, but did not elaborate further.
"I can't really say anything about it," he said. "You can imagine my feelings."
Having also gone 8-7 in March and compiled a forgettable 5-10 record in January, Kotozakura has not achieved a double-digit win total since lifting the Emperor's Cup last November.
He will aim for a record worthy of his rank, and potentially take a step toward yokozuna promotion, at the first grand tournament to be held at Nagoya's new IG Arena from July 13.
