Drawing the keen attention of sumo fans throughout the country, the 11 day Osaka main tourney of the Dai Nippon Sumo Association will be opened today (June 14) at the sumo ring specially constructed at the plaza in front of the Citizens' Hospital at Abenobashi, Osaka.
    Out of the four "yokozuna" grapplers, two -Terukuni and Akinoumi - will be absent from the tournament due to injuries received during their pre-tourney training.
    Futabayama, "yokozuna," who has already expressed his intention to resign from the ring after the Osaka series, will perform "dohyoiri" without participating in the matches.
    As a result of the absence of three "yokozuna," Haguroyama will be the only "yokozuna" grappler to take part in matches. He is regarded as the most promising candidate for the individual championship.
    Maedayama, "ozeki," will participate in the tourney from the third day of the 11 day series.