Sekiwake Miyabiyama was virtually assured promotion to sumo's second highest rank of ozeki on Sunday after officials of the Japan Sumo Association (JSA) gave their initial approval.
Official word of Miyabiyama's promotion is expected to come Wednesday when the JSA rankings committee meets to consider rankings for the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament in July.
Miyabiyama posted his 11th win on the final day of the summer tourney Sunday to give him a total of 34 wins over the last three tournaments.
Miyabiyama's rise to ozeki in 12 tourneys since first stepping onto the dohyo as a professional equals the fastest promotion since the start of the Showa Era in 1926, tying former yokozuna Haguroyama, who wrestled between 1934 and 1953, and Yutakayama.
Yutakayama, who advanced from the collegiate ranks in 1961, is the current head of the JSA, sumo elder Tokitsukaze.