The three easiest makuuchi opponents at the recent Haru Basho were:
(3) Ozeki Chiyotaikai, who was clearly suffering from injury but who, unusually for an ozeki,
did not choose to withdraw from the tournament in the wake of mounting losses;
(2) Hokutoriki, feeling the effects of altitude sickness in the rarefied atmosphere at the top of the maegashira ranks;
(1) The fusensho flag, noted for its lack of fighting spirit and usually to be seen hurrying
out of the ring prior to the entry of its opponent.