Curtains will be raised on the Grand Sumo Championship Tournament Sunday morning at the Kokugikan at Kuramae, Tokyo, where the giants of the Japanese sports world will vie for the coveted Emperor's Trophy.
To herald the opening of the tourney, to last 15 days, the traditional "dohyo-matsuri" ceremonies were held in the arena's circular ring.
    Sekiwake-ranking Mitsuneyama, nursing a hipbone ailment, will not compete in the tourney, it was revealed.
In an innovation the matches of this tourney will last until 8 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. to permit more spectators to take in the major events. The matches commence at 8 a.m. Sunday, the first day, and at 11 a.m. on remaining days.