NAKAGAWA, Japan - Yokozuna Hoshoryu raised hopes of his return to the ring at the upcoming Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament with a strong showing in practice on Wednesday.
The Mongolian-born grand champion, who had knee surgery in July and has withdrawn from three straight grand tournaments, fought 15 practice bouts against top-division wrestlers Asanoyama and Gonoyama, winning 13 and losing two.
Following the session in Fukuoka Prefecture's Nakagawa city, he voiced his desire to contest the 15-day meet opening Sunday at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
"I want to take part," Hoshoryu said. "I'm practicing well."
He deployed a low opening charge to good effect against former ozeki Asanoyama, who is looking to move back up from No. 1 maegashira to the three "sanyaku" ranks below yokozuna.
The yokozuna also showed strong lower-body stability against the powerful pushing and thrusting of No. 5 maegashira Gonoyama.
While he is expected to decide on his participation Thursday following a discussion with his stablemaster Tatsunami, the former komusubi Asahiyutaka, Hoshoryu showed confidence in his surgically repaired right knee.
"My body is moving well," he said.
