Apprentice sumo wrestlers opened the summer tournament at the Kokugikan amphitheater in Ryogoku yesterday morning at 2:30 o'clock.
    Contrary to the usual conditions, the top third and fourth galleries were almost empty, as the usual 50-sen customers were comfortably ensconced on the main floor, owing to the special price reduction allowed on the first day yesterday. Around 11 o'clock the bare galleries, however, began to fill with school children.
    Results of yesterday's matches as reported by Domei follow:
    Dewaminato, winner of all his matches last season, was shoved out of the ring by Tatekabuto; Tamanoumi pushed out Kasagiyama; Nayoroiwa downed Komanosato, barely doing so after having been almost overwhelmed himself; Haguroyama fell to Ayanobori; the veteran Kagamiiwa forced Ryuozan straight out of the ring; Champion Maedayama lost when he fell after a clinch with Ryogoku, the match causing considerable argument among the spectators; Grand Champion Minanogawa threw Yamatonishiki and Grand Champion Futabayama pushed Banjaku out of the ring with a lunge to the throat.
    Although the summer sumo tournament did not actually begin until yesterday, more than 2,000 rabid wrestling fans appeared at the Kokugikan late the day before. The principal attraction was the fact that the wrestling association instituted a new system of admissions and matches this season, the biggest change being the soda at 50 sen of tickets entitling the holders to any mat in the amphitheater.
    In the past, tickets for the first day's wrestling were at a premium and could only be secured by wealthy patrons of the sport. But this season it was different, the real fans gathering before the gates of the Kokugikan the day before, with provisions for two days and hot and cold drinks in vacuum flasks. They passed the time largely in speculating in the outcome of the coming matches.
    The type of crowd attracted on the opening day under the new 50-sen general-admission system greatly affected the sidelines businesses of the tournament. The commissionaries who usually arrange seat reservations, supply seat cushions, food and rest rooms for wealthy patrons just stood around yesterday and gazed idly at the throngs of the hoipoloi. There was nothing in it for the rake-off boys.
    The doors to the arena opened early on Wednesday night and by 10 o'clock all the first-floor seats were full, although the matches did not begin until yesterday.
The plebeian crowd was very orderly, due possibly to a police precaution which forbade the bringing into the amphitheater of sake or other alcoholic beverage. Reports have it that the usual 50-seners greatly enjoyed sitting, many of them for the first time, in the best seats of the house.