Ukrainian sumo wrestler Aonishiki wins Emperor's Cup for second time in a row

The decisive day of the Hatsu Basho tournament has taken place in Tokyo at Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena on 25 January.

Source: Champion, a sports news platform within Ukrainska Pravda's holding company.

Details: Ukrainian sumo wrestler Arata Aonishiki, born Danylo Yavhushyshyn, came into the final day with a score of 11-3. The same score was held by Atamifuji.

The 195-kilogram Japanese wrestler defeated Oshoumi (10-5) to secure at least a play-off spot.

Aonishiki faced Kotozakura (8-7). If Danylo had lost, Atamifuji would have won the tournament. However, Yavhushyshyn dealt with the other rikishi fairly comfortably.

The championship was decided in an additional match between the two sumo wrestlers. The Ukrainian was considered the favourite, as he had won all three of their previous meetings.

Atamifuji seemed very close to success this time, but Aonishiki held on and then executed a winning throw against his exhausted opponent.

For reference: Danylo, 21, is a Vinnytsia native. He moved to Japan fleeing the war in Ukraine and within a few years was recognised as a top-level sumo wrestler. Ahead of this tournament he was awarded the rank of ōzeki, the second-highest rank in sumo. The next step is earning the top rank of yokozuna. If that happens, he will become the first European to achieve it.

Background: Last year, Danylo won the Kyushu Basho. He has now won the top tournament twice in a row.

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