Sekiwake Mitakeumi said Monday he fought with a new-found intensity at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, where he clinched his third Emperor's Cup and a promotion to ozeki.
The 29-year-old Mitakeumi beat the sport's sole yokozuna, Mongolian-born juggernaut Terunofuji, in the final bout of the 15-day meet Sunday at Ryogoku Kokugikan to take the title with a 13-2 record.
Mitakeumi started the day with a one-win lead over Terunofuji and two other wrestlers, and a loss to the imposing yokozuna would have resulted in a playoff to determine the championship.