Ozeki Asashoryu, who became the first Mongolian to claim the Emperor's Cup last month, has been awarded the top ozeki slot as the Japan Sumo Association (JSA) released its rankings Tuesday for the upcoming New Year's Grand Sumo Tournament.
Asashoryu, who won in Fukuoka with a 14-1 record, may gain top seed status because of injuries that have left grand champions Musashimaru and Takanohana doubtful for the Jan. 12-26 meet at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Kasugao, meanwhile, becomes the first South Korean to break into sumo's elite makuuchi division, making his debut at 13th maegashira prior to sumo wrestlers' groundbreaking tour to his country expected in June next year.