Tamawashi clinched his second Emperor's Cup at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday, beating fellow title contender and regular training partner Takayasu in a thrilling final-day battle.
Veteran No. 3 maegashira Tamawashi (13-2) came in with a one-win lead over No. 4 Takayasu (11-4), who needed to force a playoff bout to preserve his bid for a maiden top-division championship at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Both delivered strong opening charges before trading fierce blows, but it was former sekiwake Tamawashi who seized the momentum with shoves to the face and upper body of former ozeki Takayasu.