Although diminutive by sumo standards, the makuuchi division's Tobizaru, whose ring name means "flying monkey," nearly defied the odds last month to become the first wrestler in 106 years to win the Emperor's Cup in his top-division debut.

The 28-year-old out of Oitekaze stable made himself one of the main contenders in the championship race at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament, but it was newly promoted ozeki Shodai who ultimately clinched his maiden makuuchi title in Tokyo.

Tobizaru finished with an 11-4 record in his first tournament under the brightest of sumo's lights, two wins behind Shodai, but went home with a Fighting Spirit Prize and a giant confidence boost.