Kotoshogiku's quest to reach the ultimate rank of yokozuna took a hit with shock first defeat at the hands of second-ranked maegashira Okinoumi on Thursday, the fifth day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
Seeking back-to-back championships that would likely see him promoted to yokozuna, Kotoshogiku came charging forward after the tachiai but went down and touched the dirt just before Okinoumi (1-4) stepped outside the ring at Edion Arena Osaka.
Ringside judges congregated in the ring to review the bout but backed up the referee's decision to award Okinoumi the win.