Mongolian-born Kiribayama was placed top among the four sekiwake in the May 14-28 Summer Grand Sumo Tournament rankings announced Monday, as the March champion bids for promotion to the second-highest rank of ozeki.
Former ozeki Asanoyama was named a No. 14 maegashira, meanwhile, as he returns to elite makuuchi-division action for the first time since being handed a six-meet ban in June 2021 for breaching COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Kiribayama won 11 as a komusubi during January's New Year tournament, and 12 as a new sekiwake in March when he claimed his maiden Emperor's Cup via a playoff. With 33 wins from the previous three meets being the usual requirement for ozeki promotion, 10 wins at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan this month would suffice.
"It's a chance, and I'll go at it thinking this will be the last (opportunity)," the 27-year-old told a press conference. "I want to get a winning record and then reach double figures."
Asanoyama dropped as low as fourth-tier sandanme due to the yearlong penalty he received for dining out while under instructions to stay home amid the pandemic. Since getting back on the raised ring last July, he has been near-perfect while climbing his way back.
"I feel the support of the fans despite the misconduct. I want to draw strength from it," the 29-year-old said during the Japan Sumo Association's regional tour, where he received bigger cheers than many top-ranked wrestlers, whom he often beat with ease.
Wakamotoharu, 29, reached sekiwake for the first time, joining Daieisho, Kiribayama and another Mongolian-born livewire, Hoshoryu, at the third-highest rank.
Wakamotoharu's younger brother Wakatakakage, 28, has dropped one rank to komusubi and faces a lengthy period on the sidelines following knee surgery.
The two are just the fourth pair of siblings in history to have reached sekiwake. The previous pair was Takahanada, later renamed Takanohana, and older brother Wakanohana, who attained the rank in May 1993. Both went on to be yokozuna.
Injury-plagued seven-time champion Terunofuji remains the only yokozuna, as he eyes a return to action, having missed the last four tournaments either entirely or in part.
Lone ozeki Takakeisho needs eight wins to avoid demotion after he pulled out of the March tourney.
Related coverage:
Sumo: Kiribayama beats Daieisho in playoff to claim Spring tourney
Sumo: Spring champion Kiribayama shifts focus to ozeki promotion bid
