Komusubi Takakeisho might be diminutive, but his heart is big. He did not succumb to the adversity he faced ahead of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, pushing all the way through the basho in Fukuoka to win his first Emperor's Cup on Sunday.
The 22-year-old Takakeisho, who had to change stables following the disbandment of the Takanohana stable, beat No. 3 maegashira Nishikigi on the final day of the Kyushu tourney to finish 13-2. He clinched the championship following a loss by ozeki Takayasu (12-3), who had a chance to force a playoff had he beaten sekiwake Mitakeumi in the final bout of the year.
"I never imagined I could achieve this," Takakeisho said in a post-tournament TV interview. "I'm satisfied with the fact that I was able to perform my style of sumo every day."
Takakeisho and Takayasu entered the final day sharing the lead, with no one close enough to catch up.
The 175-centimeter-tall Takakeisho went backward off the initial push from Nishikigi, retreating to the edge of the ring. But the komusubi recovered from there, charging forward.
Under intense pressure, Nishikigi slipped, allowing Takakeisho to force him down to the surface.
Takayasu, who beat Takakeisho on Saturday, was out of sorts throughout his match against Mitakeumi. He eventually lost his balance as Mitakeumi threw him to the surface.
The basho lacked its usual shine, as two yokozuna -- Hakuho and Kakuryu -- were absent from the beginning, while Kisenosato, the remaining yokozuna, withdrew during the basho, followed by ozeki Goeido.
Takakeisho energized the tournament with six straight wins from the start, including victories from Kisenosato and Goeido. After suffering his first loss on Day 7 against Mitakeumi, he collected six more wins before his second loss.
The sudden resignation of stablemaster Takanohana from the Japan Sumo Association forced Takakeisho to move to the Chiganoura stable just ahead of the basho.
Takakeisho had to practice in an unfamiliar environment despite growing attention caused by the disbandment.
"I spent each day thinking that continued hard work at the new location would lead [to success]," Takakeisho said.
Meanwhile, Takakeisho dominated the special prizes, winning the Outstanding Performance Prize and sharing the Fighting Spirit Prize along with No. 13 maegashira Onosho. No Technique Prize was awarded.
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