Sekiwake Kotonowaka, who last weekend came within one win of securing his first career championship at the New Year tourney, was confirmed by the Japan Sumo Association as sumo's newest ozeki wrestler.
Sekiwake Kotonowaka takes a step toward his first career championship and promotion to the second-highest rank of ozeki by retaining the sole lead on the 12th day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
No. 1 maegashira Wakamotoharu is the man of the hour on a day of surprises on Jan. 16, the third day of the 15-day New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, when sumo's top four wrestlers were all put under the gun.
Lone yokozuna Terunofuji hits the first stumbling block of his injury comeback at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, losing a marathon bout against No. 1 maegashira Wakamotoharu.
Lone yokozuna Terunofuji emerges victorious in his return from injury, while ozeki Kirishima makes a winning start to his promotion bid as the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament opens at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.