Despite much speculation over the last month that ozeki Kaio would secure promotion to yokozuna in the Natsu Basho that starts today, yokozuna Takanohana now appears to be a strong favorite to take the yusho against only lackluster opposition.
Despite promising performances in training in April, Kaio has been suffering from back pain since April 30, and has been unable to train, other than light workouts with weights.
Kaio is positioned within striking range of yokozuna promotion for the first time in his career. Exactly a year ago in May 2000, Kaio won his first yusho with a 14-1 record at komusubi. He followed up with a 12-3 record at sekiwake in July 2000, sufficient to earn him promotion to the ozeki rank, which had eluded him during a protracted candidacy for the second highest rank since the early 1990s.