Onosato moves to Sekiwake for Nagoya tournament

Onosato, who just clinched his historic championship at the previous Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, has been promoted from komusubi to sekiwake for the upcoming tournament in Nagoya, the Japan Sumo Association said in announcing its rankings on Monday.

Onosato, who began sumo in the third-class makushita division after college, set a record by winning his first makuuchi division title in only his seventh tournament since turning pro.

Of the three ozeki on the rankings, Takakeisho will have kadoban status for the ninth time, meaning he will need a majority of wins at the Nagoya tournament, which begins on July 14, to retain his rank.

Kirishima was demoted from ozeki to sekiwake, but can regain the second-highest rank by achieving 10 wins or more.

Meanwhile, Takerufuji, the surprise winner of the spring tournament in his debut in the makuuchi division, was demoted to the jury division.