With a chance at glory, Kisenosato choked against Kotoshogiku and simultaneously handed Hakuho his 25th career title at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday.

It made little difference anyway after Hakuho defeated rival yokozuna Harumafuji in the final match of regulation to finish with a perfect 15-0 record at the Tokyo meet.

Kisenosato, who lost to Hakuho the previous day in a heated matchup of undefeated wrestlers, had a chance to set up a playoff with his nemesis had he beaten Kotoshogiku and Hakuho lost to Harumafuji, but a final showdown was never in the cards.