Kyushu 2009 will, if for nothing else, be remembered as the tournament in which the old warhorse ozeki Kaio breaks former sekiwake Takamiyama's long-standing record of 97 basho in the sport's top flight. For Kaio — Kyushu will be number 98.
Most will realistically predict the tournament going the way of yokozuna Hakuho or Asashoryu, and there are of course the usual niggling injuries to both in the run up to the action starting on the 15. Challenges could come in the form of a resurgent Harumafuji who has been going great guns in training, or the less prolific Kotooshu, if on his own game. Estonian Baruto, following on from his blistering 12-3 in September might be another to watch if he has added a few more techniques to his brute-force backed arsenal.
Being Fukuoka, however all eyes will primarily be on local boy Kaio and his record-breaking 98th.
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