Photo/Illutration Ozeki Kotozakura speaks to reporters in Fukuoka on Nov. 25, the day after winning his first championship at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament. (Yuki Sato)

FUKUOKA—A day after claiming his first Emperor’s Cup, Kotozakura expressed his desire to reach a loftier goal.

“I want to catch up to (the rank held by) my late grandfather as soon as possible,” he said at a news conference on Nov. 25. “I don’t want to hear him say, ‘You can’t make it like that.’ I’ll do my best.”

In a battle of ozeki on Nov. 24, Kotozakura defeated Hoshoryu in a dramatic final day showdown to win the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament here.

Earlier this year, Kotozakura inherited the ring name of his grandfather, a former yokozuna.

He now also wants to reach the sport’s highest rank to honor his family’s legacy.

Kotozakura’s milestone victory came nine years after he made his professional debut in the same Kyushu tournament.

“I was able to maintain a calm state of mind throughout the 15-day tournament, and I think that was key,” the 27-year-old said.

In his fifth tournament as ozeki, Kotozakura’s style was consistent and composed. He secured the championship with a 14-1 record.

The victory marks the first time in 21 years that two ozeki have met on the final day with the same record.

Additionally, Kotozakura secured the most wins for the year with 66 total victories.

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