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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Swami" data-source="post: 145895" data-attributes="member: 13">Kisenosato "feeling good" after sparring with ozeki TakayasuDetailsWritten by KyodoPublished: 28 December 2018Hits: 9<img src="http://www.cibersumo.com/images/rikishis/Kisenosato24.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />Facing the fight of his career next month in the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, embattled yokozuna Kisenosato beat ozeki Takayasu 13 times in 16 practice bouts.After missing all or part of nine of the past 10 grand tournaments, sumo's only Japanese yokozuna could be pushed into retirement if he does poorly in the 15-day event at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan starting from Jan. 13.Fighting consecutive practice bouts against his Tagonoura stablemate for the first time since he withdrew from November's Kyushu tourney, the 32-year-old Kisenosato said, "That felt good."More than his favored left-handed underarm grip, the yokozuna showed off various thrusting and defensive tactics as he rushes to get back into fighting shape with roughly two weeks remaining."I'll have plenty of chances for that (seizing belt holds), but there are bouts when a belt hold is not possible," Kisenosato said.After going 10-5 in September, Kisenosato missed the final 10 bouts in November with a painful right knee after starting 0-5. Even without the knee taped up, his footing in the practice ring was solid."I'd say, I'm fine," the grand champion said.Swami</blockquote>