Grand Sumo made its return to action for the opening tournament of 2023. Throughout the 15-day basho, there were several withdrawals, including the Yokozuna Terunofuji. The tournament lacked a clear leader through the first 13 days; however, Maegashira #13 Kotoshoho and Ozeki Takakeisho found their way to the front of the pack going into the final day of action.
Takakeisho Captures His Third Emperor’s Cup
【”痛みをこらえて…”】#大関 #貴景勝 は#11日目 #琴ノ若 との取組で敗れた際
けい椎を痛め
痛みをこらえながら
土俵に上がり続けていました「相手に弱点を見せたくない
今場所は気合いで
乗り切ろうと思った」#sumo #nhksumo詳しい記事は 👇
https://t.co/m9IzZaNDuV— NHK大相撲（公式） (@NhkSumo) January 22, 2023
Takakeisho would bounce back from a mid tournament skid to claim his third Emperor’s Cup Championship. On the final day of action, Takakeisho entered with a 11-3 record along with his final day foe Maegashira #13 Kotoshoho.
Takakeisho locked up a sukuinage (Beltless Arm Throw) to fall his opponent and secure a 12th win and ultimately the championship.
“As Ozeki in this position, you’re expected to win, but I’ve channeled that pressure into energy and inspiration,” Takakeisho stated in a post tournament speech.
Kotoshoho, who finished the tournament with an 11-4 record, was awarded the Fighting Spirit Prize. The rikishi posted his first double-digit Makuuchi Division tournament since the September 2020 basho and his first winning record tournament in the Top Division since March 2022.
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