The Grand Sumo Tournament has concluded in Nagoya, Japan, where 21-year-old Ukrainian Danilo Yavgushishin aimed for victory.

In the decisive match, he faced Maegashira Kotoshoho, who ultimately defeated him.

Kotoshoho, ranked 15th, achieved an impressive 13-2 record, claiming the championship title.

Danilo finished the tournament with 11 wins and 4 losses; a victory would have crowned him champion.

The 25-year-old from Chiba Prefecture stated that he tried to avoid overthinking before the crucial match.

"Once the match began, my body just moved naturally," he was quoted by Kyodo.net.

The new European sumo star also earned a technique prize, continuing his streak of special awards in all three of his tournaments in the top division, Makuuchi. He secured 11 wins in each of these events, coming close to the main trophy.

Yavgushishin was a leader in the Grand Tournament for a significant time before succumbing to a loss against Kusano.

"My sumo career is just beginning. I want to leverage my experiences in the next tournament. My biggest rival is myself," Danilo Aonishiki commented to Sponichi.co.jp.

Danilo Yavgushishin (his real name) earned his first gold star, "kinboshi," for defeating Yokozuna Hoshoryu, whom he overcame 10 days ago. The title of Yokozuna is the highest in sumo, awarded to wrestlers who demonstrate exceptional fighting abilities.

The Ukrainian set a record by winning against a Yokozuna just on his 12th tournament since his debut, while the previous record was 14 tournaments.

Hailing from Vinnytsia, Yavgushishin is the second Ukrainian to become a professional sumo wrestler, following Serhiy Sokolovsky, who competes in Japan under the name Shishi Masaru.