Banzuke du Natsu basho 2016

Kotoyuki and Ikioi both won promotion to sumo’s third-highest rank of sekiwake as the Japan Sumo Association released the rankings for the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday.

Kotoyuki, 25, defeated one yokozuna and two ozeki as he went on to secure an impressive 12-3 record as first-ranked maegashira at the March tourney in Osaka and becomes the first wrestler to reach sekiwake from Kagawa Prefecture in 56 years. Ikioi, 29, was 10-5 as No. 4 maegashira in his native Osaka.

Kaisei, who won 11 at No. 7 maegashira, will become the first wrestler from Brazil to occupy the fourth-highest rank of komusubi. Okinoumi returns to the rank during the May 8-22 meet after three grand tournaments as a rank-and-file maegashira.

At the top, spring champion Hakuho has been restored in the prestigious east yokozuna slot for the first time in four tourneys after the Mongolian won a record 36th championship with a 14-1 record for his first trophy since last July.

The 31-year-old evaded the charge of compatriot yokozuna Harumafuji on the final day in Osaka to avoid a play-off with ozeki Kisenosato, much to the dismay of the fans, and will be looking to regain his popular support with a strong showing in Tokyo.

Fellow Mongolian yokozuna Kakuryu could only secure 10 wins in March but will sit on the west wing for the meet at Ryogoku Kokugikan, with Harumafuji, who won nine, ranked lowest among the three yokozuna.

Kisenosato surrendered a sole lead in the spring tourney to miss out on his first title but has been ranked highest among ozeki after a 13-2 record. Kotoshogiku, who won the January tournament but fell way short of his tsunatori challenge in Osaka by just managing a winning record, is ranked third among four in the rank.

Nishikigi is the sole newcomer to the makuuchi division, while Egyptian Osunaarashi, Mongolian Seiro and fan-favorite Endo all make their return after strong showings in Juryo in April.

Written by Kyodo