Yokozuna Grand Champion Terunofuji has won his ninth sumo tournament by defeating Kotonowaka of the third-highest rank of Sekiwake in a playoff.

The two wrestlers had 12 wins and two losses each before the final day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday.

Kotonowaka beat Tobizaru with an overarm throw.

Terunofuji defeated Kirishima of the second-highest rank of Ozeki with a frontal force out.

In the playoff, Terunofuji beat Kotonowaka with a frontal force out, claiming his first title in four tournaments.

Terunofuji won the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament last year, but dropped out halfway through the following tourney and sat out two more due to injuries.