NAGOYA, Jul 23 (NHK) - Mongolian sumo wrestler Hoshoryu won his first tournament by defeating Hokutofuji in a playoff in Nagoya on Sunday.
Hoshoryu, who holds the third-highest rank of Sekiwake, rank-and-filer Hokutofuji and up-and-coming rookie Hakuoho had 11 wins each before the final day.
Hoshoryu beat Hakuoho to tie Hokutofuji with 12 wins.
In the playoff, Hoshoryu pushed Hokutofuji out of the ring to clinch the title.
Hoshoryu is a nephew of former Yokozuna Grand Champion Asashoryu, who won 25 tournaments.