The January Tournament
Ryōgoku Kokugikan
Sumida City -Tokyo, Japan
Saturday January 7, 2023
Sunday January 22, 2023
Lone ozeki Takakeisho defeated #13 maegashira Kotoshoho in a winner-take-all battle Sunday to be crowned champion of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
The highest-ranked competitor while yokozuna Terunofuji remains sidelined after surgery, Takakeisho captured his 3rd career Emperor's Cup with a 12-3 record by toppling unlikely contender Kotoshoho, fighting as a 13th-ranked maegashira.
With the 2 alumni of renowned sumo factory Saitama Sakae High School deadlocked for the lead after the penultimate day, organizers scheduled them to face off for the trophy in the final fight of the 15-day meet at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
The ozeki was strong off the mark, knocking the underdog backward and wheeling him sideways before finishing him off with a sukuinage beltless arm throw.
"As ozeki in this position, you're expected to win, but I've channeled that pressure into energy and inspiration," said Takakeisho, who was runner-up in November.
"Once I was up on the ring, I knew I had to give it my all, but I also felt I was here thanks to support from so many people, including my family."
The winning technique was a departure from the powerful pushing and thrusting that have been Takakeisho's bread and butter.
It represented an expanded repertoire of moves from the 26-year-old, who could be in line for yokozuna promotion after winning his 1st title since November 2020.
"I wasn't able to get my training under control and in many cases I was just one win short of a title, so it was all very disappointing," he said.
"Now I finally feel like I've been able to show my worth with this championship."
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