Seven years after entering the Makunouchi Division and 12 years after his sumo debut, Kaio finally captured his first yusho Sunday with an outstanding 14-1 record in the Natsu Basho at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
The 27-year-old komusubi did it by defeating No. 4 maegashira Tamakasuga while Akebono suffered his second setback at the hands of fellow-yokozuna Takanohana in the day's final bout.
Takanohana took the offensive right from the tachi-ai and soon had a morozashi (double-inside grip) against Akebono. Although Akebono was able to fend off Taka's first attempt to drive him out, Takanohana quickly resumed his assault, powered Akebono to the edge again and muscled him out by yorikiri.