For the first time in nine years, the main spring tournament of the Japan Professional Sumo Association to be held from January 11 for 15 days at the Kokugikan, Ryogoku, Tokyo, will match an East team against a West team. Since 1931, the tourney has been conducted on a partial round robin system which pitted all the wrestlers against each other, with the exception of those belonging to the same club.
    This year as the defending champion, "Yokozuna" Futabayama will captain the East team in the new rankings, while "Yokozuna" Minanogawa will head the West forces. Rising Haguroyama has been named to the rank of "Ozeki" on the East team, filing the position vacated by the retired Kagamiiwa. "Ozeki" Maedayama will hold down the same position for the West team.
    The clubs of Takasago, Dewanoumi and Kasaugano will form the nucleus of the West team, while the Tachinami, Nishogaseki and Isegahama clubs will lead the East team.
    This year's main spring tourney will see the absence of several outstanding wrestlers who have retired from active competiton, including "Yokozuna" Musashiyama, "Ozeki" Kasagiiwa, "Maegashira" Takanobori and the former "Sekiwake" Dewagatake.
    The rankings for the main spring tourney have been announced as follows: