Kisenosato wins the playoff and the championship

March (Haru) 2017 has completed final day. Kisenosato, Terunofuji finished level at 13-2, and Kisenosato won the playoff to take the championship.

Championship Race

For Terunofuji, level after regulation, one bout decided everything.

Kyokushuho (Maegashira 14) beat Sokokurai (Maegashira 2) by Yorikiri — pre-basho ratings gave just a 19% chance.

Ura (Maegashira 12) beat Ichinojo (Maegashira 7) by Sukuinage — pre-basho ratings gave just a 26% chance.

Kadoban ozeki Terunofuji reached 13-2 to clear kadoban status.

解説・ InsightThis is kadoban No. 4 — he has survived all 3 previous ones.

His pre-basho rating of 2389 sits 444 points below his peak of 2833 — the decline shows in the numbers.

6 rikishi had their winning or losing records decided today.

解説・ InsightTochinoshin, Ishiura, Daishomaru came into the final day at 7-7 and lost the bout that mattered most.

Maegashira 5 Endokachi-koshi (8-7)
Maegashira 10 Tochinoshinmake-koshi (7-8)
Maegashira 6 Aoiyamakachi-koshi (8-7)
Maegashira 11 Ishiuramake-koshi (7-8)
Maegashira 13 Daishomarumake-koshi (7-8)
Maegashira 12 Urakachi-koshi (8-7)

Outstanding Performance: Takayasu; Fighting Spirit: Takakeisho.