This morning in Fukuoka, the Isegahama stable master announced that Sekiwake Terunofuji was withdrawing from the Kyushu tournament. Citing deteriorating condition of his left knee, it has been clear since the start of the tournament that Terunofuji had no strength in his legs, and was ineffective on the dohyo. Terunofuji was pushing for 10 wins in order to return to the rank of Ozeki, after failing to gain 8 wins in September at the Aki basho as a kadoban Ozeki, and was demoted.
We hope Terunofuji takes this chance to seek complete medical treatment for his injured knee, and returns to sumo in fighting form.
*sigh* Yes, this is the best course of action. Best of luck to him.
Very sad, but the right thing to do. Based on historical precedent it’s likely we’ll next see him between M6-M11 if he even makes it back for Hatsu
This is crushing. After working so hard in jungyo, to go 0-4 kyujo?
If he had any strength at all in his knees, he could have pulled out a win or two like Aoiyama in the last basho. He literally has nothing in his legs at all.
Sigh, better late then never I guess. :(
Please recuperate and give it time to heal, big guy. We’ll still be there to cheer you on when you return.
Pretty lousy Day 5 all around, with very few bright spots.