Photo/Illutration Takerufuji after defeating Gonoyama, background, on March 24 (Toshiyuki Hayashi)

Takerufuji made history March 24, becoming the first wrestler in 110 years to seize the title in a tournament where he debuted in the sumo’s top makuuchi division.

Takerufuji, 24, pushed down Gonoyama to end the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Edion Arena Osaka with a 13-2 record.

“I am relieved that I was able to wrestle on the dohyo on the final day,” said Takerufuji, who injured his right leg when he lost to Asanoyama the previous day.

Takerufuji has said he wants to be a wrestler who is remembered rather than one who sets a record.

“A record is important, but I put the best of my efforts so that everyone will remember this bout,” he said March 24.

The last makuuchi division debutant who won a tournament was Ryogoku, who took the Emperor’s Cup in the summer tournament of 1914.

Takerufuji, a native of Goshogawara, Aomori Prefecture, is ranked maegashira No. 17, the lowest among all wrestlers in the makuuchi division.

He became the fourth lowest-ranked wrestler to clinch the title after Terunofuji in the July tournament in 2020.

Terunofuji, who had fallen from the second-highest rank of ozeki, went on to become yokozuna the following year.

It took only 10 tournaments for Takerufuji to win the Emperor’s Cup since he made his debut on the dohyo.

It was the fastest pace among wrestlers who debuted after the current system of six tournaments a year was adopted in 1958.

The previous record was 24 tournaments held by Takahanada, who later wrestled as yokozuna Takanohana, and Asashoryu, another yokozuna.

Takerufuji started the latest tournament with 11 consecutive wins, matching the opening streak record for a makuuchi division debutant since the 15-day tournament format was formalized in the summer tournament of 1949.

The original record was set by legendary yokozuna Taiho.

Ozeki Hoshoryu defeated Takerufuji on Day 12, keeping him from rewriting the record.

Onosato was following Takerufuji with a 11-3 record when he entered the final day. But he gave up his fourth loss to Hoshoryu.

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