TOKYO - Churanoumi became the first wrestler from Okinawa Prefecture to reach the three "sanyaku" ranks below yokozuna on Monday after he rose to komusubi in the latest rankings announced ahead of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in November.
At 33 years and five months, Churanoumi is the fourth oldest wrestler to reach sanyaku in the post-war era, while his 63 meets fought before rising to the position is the most for those who began their pro careers after graduating universities.
September's Autumn meet champion Onosato and Mongolian-born Hoshoryu, who has missed the whole of the last two tournaments, hold the top rank of yokozuna.
No promotions or demotions are on the cards for the three ozeki of Aonishiki, Kotozakura and Kirishima at the 15-day meet starting on Nov. 8 at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
Fujinokawa and Atamifuji retain their places at the third highest rank of sekiwake, while Yoshinofuji returns to komusubi after one meet dropping into the rank and file. Arashifuji is joined by Mongolian-born Dewanoryu and Kyokukaiyu as the new top-tier makuuchi-division entrants.
Evergreen Mongolian-born grappler Tamawashi is the oldest returner to makuuchi in the modern era at 41 years and 11 months, with Kitanowaka and Daiseizan also marking their comeback to the division.
Former ozeki Shodai dropped to the second-tier juryo for the first time since November 2015, while Mongolian-born Asahifuji reached juryo after six pro meets to tie the fastest record since the current six-meet-a-year format was introduced in 1958.
