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Aonishiki Wins Kyushu Playoff Over Hoshoryu With Ozeki Decision Looming

His three-tournament record positions him for ozeki confirmation at a Japan Sumo Association meeting this week.

Overview

  • The 21-year-old sekiwake beat ozeki Kotozakura on the final day to finish 12-3, then defeated yokozuna Hoshoryu in a playoff to claim his first Emperor’s Cup.
  • The Japan Sumo Association convened a special meeting to consider his promotion after he totaled 34 wins over the past three tournaments, with an announcement expected Wednesday.
  • He received the Outstanding Performance Award and Technique Prize, marking a fifth straight tournament with at least one special honor.
  • Yokozuna Onosato defaulted his final bout citing a shoulder injury after a nine-match winning run gave way to a late slump.
  • The victory makes him the first Ukrainian to win a professional sumo tournament.