Asashoryu had to wait for a playoff against rival yokozuna Hakuho before getting his 29th birthday celebrations off with a bang, but pulled off the improbable to claim his 24th Emperor's Cup at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday.
After losing the last bout in regulation against his rival to drop to his first defeat, Asashoryu came back to win his first title in four meets, matching yokozuna great Kitanoumi for third on the all-time list.
Yokozuna legends Taiho (32) and Chiyonofuji (31) are first and second, respectively.