Terunofuji redefines legacy with historic return to ozeki rank
The Mongolian, who just two years ago was fighting in sumo's second-lowest division, is now being hyped as the next potential yokozuna after his Spring Basho triumph.
The re-promotion is a significant moment in the 29-year-old Mongolian's comeback from injury, coming 10 years after his tournament debut in May 2011 and almost four years since he lost his ozeki status.
Terunofuji's push for promotion driven by devotion to stablemaster
A three-tournament record of 33 wins is considered a near-guarantee for ozeki promotion, and Terunofuji reached the mark on the 12th day of the 15-day meet at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Comeback king Terunofuji wins spring tourney and ozeki promotion
Less than three years after knee injuries threatened to end his career, the sekiwake clinched his third career title, setting him on course for re-promotion to the elite ozeki rank.
Terunofuji, who has all but secured his return to the second-highest rank of ozeki for the first time since 2017, was at his composed best as he forced out ozeki Asanoyama (9-5).
Takayasu could have taken a giant stride toward his maiden title with a win but he was handed a damaging blow instead by Wakatakakage.
Takayasu overcomes dangerous Hokutofuji to protect one-win lead on Day 12
Takayasu was determined to avoid joining sekiwake Takanosho, and two ozeki, Takakeisho and Shodai, in losing to No. 2 maegashira Hokutofuji.
The tournament leader is now one win ahead of three wrestlers with 8-3 records — ozeki Asanoyama, sekiwake Terunofuji, and No. 8 maegashira Tobizaru.
The komusubi, who has not lost since the opening day of the Spring Basho, maintained his two-win lead as he hunts for his first Emperor's Cup.
Takayasu (8-1) secured a winning record on Day 9 of the 15-day meet at Ryogoku Kokugikan after comfortably beating No. 1 maegashira Onosho (2-7).
The komusubi used mind games and endurance to tire out sekiwake opponent Terunofuji before forcing him over the straw and improving to 7-1.
Terunofuji stays in lead pack as Asanoyama goes down on Day 7
Terunofuji moved within four wins of his second promotion to the second-highest rank of ozeki, a position he last held in 2017.
