Sumo: Asashoryu set to make comeback at New Year tourney

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TOKYO, Jan. 8 Kyodo -
Injury-weary Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu is set to make his return to
the raised ring at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament kicking off in Tokyo this
weekend, his stablemaster Takasago said Thursday.
Asashoryu missed the entire Kyushu meet with an elbow injury and pulled out
midway in the previous two basho, meaning he will be fighting with his career
on the line when the 15-day meet opens at Ryogoku Kokugikan on Sunday.
''He is gearing up to wrestle and you can say he will appear (at the
tournament),'' Takasago told reporters.
With the tournament's bout scheduling set to take place Friday, Asashoryu has
been under pressure to make a decision on whether he would wrestle or sit out
the New Year basho.
The 22-time Emperor's Cup winner is clearly feeling the heat ahead of the meet
and earlier in the day refused to give a clear answer on whether he would be
making his comeback.
''How many times are you going to ask?'' Asashoryu snapped at reporters.
''There is still another day tomorrow.''
Asashoryu won eight out of 11 bouts in Thursday's practice session against
newly-promoted ozeki Harumafuji, formerly known as Ama, although his
performances were far from convincing.
''It was a good practice for both of us,'' said Asashoryu. ''(Practice) is
something that I have to get out of the way.''
Asashoryu's form has taken a downward turn since he beat fellow Mongolian
yokozuna Hakuho on the final day of the spring meet last March.
==Kyodo
2009-01-08 21:59:05