Training is already well underway for the 2009 Hatsu Basho with one man leading the pack in terms of exertion put in, and column inches covering that effort. That man is Asashoryu.
Although there have been calls in the last two years for him to maintain the dignity of his rank by stepping aside and retiring, for those in place during the Jan. 3 training at Musashigawa Beya in Tokyo's Arakawa Ward, there would have been little doubt that this is the man to beat. Throughout a session attended by upward of 15 sekitori, the Mongolian dominated, in the presence of Baruto, Asasekiryu, Tochiozan and many more, casting aside such experienced giants as Miyabiyama as if they were simply not there.
The following day, he opted for a more relaxed pace at a Dewanoumi Beya gathering. Once again he won far more than he lost, but this time dedicated his efforts more to advising the relative newcomers to the top flight as opposed to going all out.