Rising Mongolian star wrestler Harumafuji clinched his first tournament victory Sunday after defeating both sitting grandchampions.
Harumafuji, whose real name is Davaanyam Byambadorj, took down compatriot Hakuho in the final day play-off with an underarm throw, or "shitate nage."
He is likely be promoted to grandchampion if he wins the next tournament in July as two straight victories by champion-level wrestlers is regarded as a condition for their promotion to the highest rank.
"Thank you very much. I am happy, really happy," he repeated to the spectators at the national sumo arena in a cheerful but calm interview after Prime Minister Taro Aso handed him the emperor's trophy.
To the delight of Japanese sumo purists, Harumafuji exhibited modesty expected of traditional and successful wrestlers.
"I was focusing on my sumo one bout at a time. I am most grateful to my father and mother," he said, as his mother looked on from her seat in the arena.
Both Harumafuji and Hakuho ended the 15-day tournament with a record of 14 wins and one loss, bringing them to the playoff bout. Harumafuji's only loss was to Hakuho on Friday.
During the tournament, Harumafuji and Hakuho defeated the other grandchampion Asashoryu, the fifth most successful wrestler in sumo history who has recently struggled with injuries.
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