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Japanese wrestler wins sumo title for 1st time in 10 years

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Kotoshogiku won the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday to become the first Japanese-born wrestler to win a championship in 10 years.

 

Kotoshogiku, whose real name is Kazuhiro Kikutsugi, beat fellow ozeki Goeido to improve to 14-1 and secure the Emperor's Cup on the last day of the 15-day tournament.

 

Sumo, Japan's national sport, has been dominated by Mongolians over the past decade. The last Japanese-born wrestler to win a tournament was Tochiazuma who won the New Year tourney in 2006.

 

The sport hasn't had a Japanese grand champion since Takanohana retired in 2003.

 

 

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