Kotozakura outwrestled fellow ozeki Hoshoryu in the winner-take-all closing bout Sunday at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament to claim his maiden top-division championship with a 14-1 record.The 27-year-old Kotozakura stayed cool under pressure to win by slap down after Hoshoryu gained the upper hand in the tie-breaking battle between the two remaining contenders at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.Hoshoryu (13-2) exploded out of the blocks with a thrusting attack and looked to follow with his signature overarm throw, but Kotozakura managed to keep one foot planted and counter with the winning maneuver…READ FULL ARTICLE
