Kotoshogiku to be promoted to ozeki

Japanese sumo wrestler Kotoshogiku will be promoted to the second-highest rank of ozeki, or champion.

He is the first Japanese wrestler to be promoted to ozeki in 4 years.

Kotoshogiku ended the 14th day of the tournament on Sunday with 12 wins and 2 losses. He managed to defeat the yokozuna, or grand champion, Hakuho.

Kotoshogiku has had a total of 33 wins in the past 3 tournaments, which is the requirement for promotion to ozeki.

The Japan Sumo Association submitted a request for a board meeting to be held on Wednesday to officially decide on the promotion.

The 27-year-old wrestler was born in Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, southern Japan. He made his debut in 2002 and advanced to the top makunouchi division in the New Year tournament in 2005.

Kotoshogiku is skillful at grabbing his opponent's belt and throwing him out of the ring.

He became a sekiwake, the third-highest rank below yokozuna, in 2007.