Bulgarian sumo sensation Kotooshu will retain the prestigious east sekiwake slot for the second straight tournament after the Japan Sumo Association issued the rankings for the upcoming Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday.

The Japan Times reported that Yokozuna Asashoryu, who is aiming for his seventh straight Emperor's Cup and to become the first wrestler to win all six tournaments in a year, will once again be a fly in the ointment for the sekiwake as he guns for his career first title and a shot at ozeki promotion at the November 13-27 meet at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

Kotooshu tripped up Asashoryu for a defeat early at the autumn basho and later finished tied at 13-2 with the yokozuna to force a playoff, but was clearly no match the second time around against the more powerful grand champion, who quickly wrapped up another title.

Asashoryu also gains the distinction of being the sole yokozuna for a record 12 consecutive meets, surpassing Akebono's streak, the longest stretch with one man at the top since sumo's highest rank became officially recognized in February 1909.

Tochiazuma takes up the east position for ozeki after posting a 10-5 mark in September while Chiyotaikai and Kaio find themselves occupying the west.

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