Ishiura turned in an amazing performance in Kyushu, going 10-5 in his debut Makuuchi tournament, and winning a Kantō-shō (敢闘賞), or fighting spirit prize. Thus far at the Hatsu basho, Ishiura has been struggling. His higher ranking this tournament (Maegashira 9) has him fighting more capable rikishi, many of them are skilled at blunting his still limited (but growing) list of attack techniques.

Tachiai wishes Ishiura (his actual name!) a happy birthday, and hopes McLaren lets him keep that green 650S he is helping them promote.