The Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya, Japan, has wrapped up, with 21-year-old Ukrainian wrestler Danilo Yavgushishin showcasing impressive results.
In the final match, Danilo faced Maegashira Kotoshoho, who ultimately proved to be the stronger competitor.
Kotoshoho, starting with the 15th rank, claimed the championship title with a record of 13-2.
Yavgushishin finished with an outstanding record of 11 wins and 4 losses, demonstrating his high level of skill.
Kotoshoho, a native of Chiba, admitted he tried to focus and not overthink before the crucial bout.
"After the initial charge, my body just moved naturally," Kotoshoho remarked to Kyodo.net.
The new European sumo star received a technique award, continuing to impress audiences in his tournaments at the top division.
Danilo was a frontrunner in the tournament for a long time, but a loss to Kusano changed his standing.
"My sumo career is just beginning. I plan to use this experience for the next tournament. My biggest rival is myself," Danilo Yavgushishin shared in a comment to Sponichi.co.jp.
Danilo, also known as Aonishiki, earned his first 'kinboshi' gold star for defeating Yokozuna Hoshoryu just 10 days ago. The title of Yokozuna is the highest honor in sumo, awarded to wrestlers with exceptional fighting qualities.
The Ukrainian set a new record by defeating a Yokozuna at only his 12th tournament since his debut, surpassing the previous record of 14 tournaments.
Yavgushishin hails from Vinnytsia and is the second Ukrainian to become a professional sumo wrestler, following Sergey Sokolovsky, who competes in Japan under the name Shishi Masaru.