Not good news ahead of the May Grand Sumo Tournament-Nikkan Sports reports Ozeki Aonishiki, who is in danger of demotion after his first losing tournament following 2 straight championships and being in Yokozuna contention, was injured in practice today (yesterday Japan time). Left ankle. It happened during practice at Arashio Beya in Tokyo, which the Ajigawa Beya-based Aonishiki was visiting, and possibly happened during a practice bout with Wakamotoharu. Stablemaster Ajigawa said he will make a decision on Aonishiki’s tournament participation in the next day or two (the deadline for pre-tournament withdrawals is Friday) but if Aonishiki can’t compete or can’t win at least 8 matches he will be demoted to Sekiwake in July.
More as it becomes available.
UPDATE: Aonishiki is OUT. At least for the first day, maybe two days. But right now it does not look like he will miss the entire tournament, meaning he must return and get 8+ wins to avoid demotion. Also, Yokozuna Onosato is also OUT. Left shoulder. Sounds like he will not compete at all.