Yokozuna Hakuho wrapped up the 15-day Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday with a victory, after his earning record-extending 43rd career title the previous day at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
Hakuho forced out ozeki Takakeisho (9-6) in the final bout of the tourney to improve to 14-1 after a lengthy battle. The two men locked arms near the edge of the ring and stood almost motionless until the yokozuna powered his opponent out, looking as healthy as ever.
"I have been suffering from injuries and there were times when I thought I'd never be standing here again [for a trophy presentation]," the yokozuna said in a TV interview after receiving the Emperor's Cup.
"It feels great to be standing here," said Hakuho, who had to sit out the Kyushu tourney last year. I wanted to do my best here [for fans in Kyushu]."
The Mongolian-born yokozuna gained Japanese citizenship in September as the Japan Sumo Association rules stipulate only citizens can become stablemasters.
As Hakuho ages, he continues to break records. By winning a title at 34 years and 8 months, he is the third-oldest yokozuna to do so. In addition to piling up his tournament victories, his next foreseeable goal is matching the late Chiyonofuji as the oldest yokozuna to win a title at 35 years 5 months.
Meanwhile, Mitakeumi suffered a crucial ninth loss after komusubi Abi (9-6) slapped him out of the ring, and the sekiwake will likely be demoted to a rank-and-file maegashira spot.
The Outstanding Performance Prize went to No. 1 maegashira Daieisho, who on Day 2 pinned the only loss on Hakuho. However, diminutive dynamo Enho threw Daieisho out of the ring on the final day, giving the No. 6 maegashira his kachikoshi eighth win.
The Fighting Spirit Prize went to No. 10 maegashira Shodai, who notched his 11th win by forcing out komusubi Asanoyama (11-4), who collected the Technique Prize.
The latest tournament was marred by absence of top wrestlers. Yokozuna Kakuryu abruptly withdrew before his bout on the first day of the basho because of back pains. He was recorded a defeat by fault on the Day 1.
Ozeki Takayasu, who was fighting in a kadoban status, pulled out on the eighth day before his bout due to back injuries. As an absence is tantamount to a loss, the ozeki will be demoted in the next New Year's tourney.
Ozeki Goeido pulled out on the second day after injuring his left ankle on his first day loss.
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