Onosato becomes fastest to first title with victory

Komusubi Onosato is on the right path to success.

The Ishikawa Prefecture native earned his first career Emperor’s Cup, defeating sekiwake Abi to win the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on Sunday. It was only his seventh basho, making him the fastest wrestler to capture a tournament title since his debut.

“I’m so happy because I couldn’t imagine winning a tournament when I made my debut last May,” Onosato said during the televised post-tournament interview near the elevated ring.

“Because I performed well [at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament] in January and [at the Spring basho] in March the dream of winning a tournament became a goal,” said Onosato. “I am happy that I achieved the goal.

“I am also happy to give a winning performance for the people of Ishikawa Prefecture,” which was devastated by the Noto Peninsula earthquake on New Year’s Day.

On the final day of the 15-day summer tournament, newly promoted Komusubi bulldozed Abi out of the ring shortly after the jump-off, bringing his win total to 12 with three defeats.

Onosato made his debut last year in the makushita division, ranked third among the top makuuchi division and the second-tier juryo division.

Onosato also took home the Technique Prize and the Outstanding Performance Award, while the Fighting Spirit Prize went to No. 14 maegashira Oshoma.