Sekiwake Kotomitsuki had a hangover from a bittersweet Sunday but said he is happy with the way he wrestled throughout the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, where he secured promotion to the second-highest rank of ozeki. Kotomitsuki compiled an impressive 13-2 record at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, although his final-day loss to rank-and-filer Kisenosato on Sunday cost him the second championship crown of his career.
Sekiwake Kotomitsuki, left, defeats yokozuna Hakuho with a perfect upper-arm throw in the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament. The Sadogatake stable veteran had a 13-2 record in the basho and is expected to be promoted to ozeki on Wednesday.
KYODO PHOTOMongolian yokozuna Asashoryu won the Nagoya title at 14-1.
The overall performance of the Sadogatake stable veteran, however, was strong enough to convince officials of the Japan Sumo Association, which has decided to hold an executive meeting Wednesday to endorse his promotion.