Takayasu mounted a credible campaign to win the title of Ozeki in 2016. But on the cusp of achievement in Kyushu, his sumo failed, and he suffered the bitter sting of demotion back to Komusubi.

Takayasu is a strong, capable rikishi, but like his stable mate Kisenosato, can sometimes seize up under pressure. Today, Takayasu took a step towards regaining the Sekiwake rank he needs to mount a second Ozeki push.

His bout with Yokozuna Kakuryu was a brutal match of slapping and pushing, that ended with a strange collapse of the Yokozuna after he apparently lost his footing.