Sekiwake Mitakeumi earned his second Emperor's Cup after defeating Takakeisho in a playoff showdown featuring sekiwake on the final day of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on Sunday.
Mitakeumi, who won his first title in July last year at Nagoya, forced out Takakeisho after a strong initial charge.
In their final-day scheduled matches, the two sekiwake had no problem beating their opponents to notch their 12th victories.
Mitakeumi easily forced out komusubi Endo (8-7). Takakeisho pushed out No. 8 maegashira Okinoumi (11-4), who needed to knock off the sekiwake for a chance to win the tournament.
"It feels great," Mitakeumi said in a televised post-tournament interview. "Last time, I won the tournament by fluke, but I entered this tourney with a firm goal [of winning]."
The next tournament is in Fukuoka in November and will be a crucial basho for Mitakeumi to earn a promotion to ozeki.
"I will do my best to live up to everyone's expectations," Mitakeumi said.
Outstanding Performance Prizes were shared by Mitakeumi and No. 2 maegashira Asanoyama, who posted 10 wins.
Fighting Spirit Prizes went to Okinoumi and No. 14 maegashira Tsurugisho, who also collected 10 wins.
No Technique Prize was awarded.
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