Sumo: Kotoshoho beats Aonishiki to claim maiden Emperor's Cup
No. 15 maegashira Kotoshoho came into the 15th and final day leading young Ukrainian sensation Aonishiki and top-division debutant Kusano by one bout, with the Emperor's Cup guaranteed to go to a first-time winner from among the rank and file at the new IG Arena.
Determined to avoid a loss that would force him into a championship-deciding playoff, Kotoshoho opened with a solid shoulder blast and thrusted Aonishiki (11-4) to the clay as the No. 1 maegashira attempted to get inside for a belt grip.
The 25-year-old Chiba Prefecture native, who earned Fighting Spirit and Outstanding Achievement awards, said he tried not to "think too much" heading into the decisive match against Aonishiki.
"After the initial charge my body just moved naturally," said Kotoshoho, who started thinking about the title "about two days ago" with his win against new yokozuna Onosato.
Kotoshoho, who made his top-tier makuuchi division debut in Nagoya in 2020, came close to winning the title in January 2023 but lost a winner-takes-all battle against ozeki Takakeisho on the last day.
"I learned from my previous experience not to be too nervous and just try to do my best," said Kotoshoho, who added the top-tier debut for his younger brother Kotoeiho this month gave him "motivation."
Aonishiki's loss marked a disappointing end to an otherwise stellar meet for the 21-year-old, who came to Japan in April 2022 to escape the war raging in his home country.
Sumo's new European star took home a Technique Prize, continuing his streak of a special award in each of his three top-division tournaments. The dynamic grappler reached 11 wins in each of those meets.
Kotoshoho's victory also ended No. 14 maegashira Kusano's hopes of becoming the first wrestler to win the Emperor's Cup in his top-division debut since Takerufuji in March 2024.
A day after knocking Aonishiki off the top rung of the leaderboard, former university sumo star Kusano (11-4) came off second-best in a thrusting battle with veteran komusubi Takayasu (10-5). The 24-year-old from Kumamoto Prefecture collected Fighting Spirit and Technique prizes as consolation.
New yokozuna Onosato forced out ozeki Kotozakura to wrap up his debut tournament as a grand champion at 11-4. After a powerful opening collision, the four-time Emperor's Cup winner shifted Kotozakura over the straw bales and consigned him to another lackluster 8-7 finish.
Onosato became the only yokozuna competing in Nagoya following the early withdrawal of Hoshoryu, who pulled out with a damaged big toe after going 1-3 over the first four days.
Wakatakakage (10-5) put himself in contention to earn ozeki promotion at the next meet by forcing out fellow sekiwake Kirishima (8-7), who lost his last five bouts.
No. 10 maegashira Atamifuji, who was knocked out of the title race a day earlier, finished at 11-4 with a force out of No. 13 maegashira Churanoumi (9-6).
Veteran No. 4 maegashira Tamawashi (11-4) forced out komusubi Oshoma (3-12) and earned his third Outstanding Performance Prize, becoming the oldest recipient of the award at 40 years and eight months old.
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