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Hoshoryu set for yokozuna promotion after winning New Year meet
Mongolian ozeki Hoshoyru earned his second Emperor’s Cup and promotion to yokozuna Sunday by winning the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in a thrilling three-way championship playoff against rank-and-file wrestlers Kinbozan and Oho.
The 25-year-old nephew of former yokozuna Asashoryu is set to become the sport’s sole grand champion following the mid-tournament retirement of Terunofuji.
The 15-day tournament at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan needed a tiebreaker after No. 3 maegashira Oho defeated No. 14 maegashira Kinbozan, the sole overnight leader, leaving the pair deadlocked at 12-3.
Hoshoryu (12-3) then booked his place in the playoff by forcing out beleaguered fellow ozeki Kotozakura (5-10) in the final regulation bout. The Mongolian technician had his initial throw attempt thwarted but quickly regrouped for an overpowering win.
Hoshoryu blew away Kinbozan in the first playoff bout, getting an inside position with his opening charge and manhandling the maegashira out of the ring.
The second playoff match was a trickier affair, with Oho denying Hoshoryu his favored grip and locking into a stalemate before the ozeki wrenched the rank-and-filer off balance and toppled him with a frontal crush out.
Hoshoyru reacts after defeating Oho (out of ring) in a three-way playoff to win the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Jan. 26, 2025, at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan arena. (Kyodo)
Ozeki Hoshoyru (facing camera) receives the championship trophy from Japan Sumo Association chief Hakkaku after winning the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in a three-way playoff on Jan. 26, 2025, at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan arena. (Kyodo)
Related coverage:
Sumo: JSA to discuss conditions for Hoshoryu’s yokozuna promotion
Sumo: Kinbozan moves closer to title as Hoshoryu, Oho stay in hunt
Sumo: Hoshoryu slaps down Kinbozan, opens up championship race
Hoshoryu, the rising star in the world of sumo wrestling, has set himself up for a potential promotion to yokozuna after his impressive victory at the New Year meet.
The 23-year-old Hoshoryu, who is the nephew of former yokozuna Asashoryu, showcased his skills and determination throughout the tournament, defeating top-ranked opponents and displaying exceptional technique and strength.
With this win, Hoshoryu has firmly established himself as one of the top contenders in the sport, and many fans and experts believe that he is ready to take on the prestigious title of yokozuna.
If Hoshoryu is indeed promoted to yokozuna, he will join the ranks of sumo wrestling’s elite and solidify his place as a dominant force in the sport.
Congratulations to Hoshoryu on his impressive victory, and we look forward to seeing him continue to shine in the world of sumo wrestling.
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