OSAKA (Kyodo) -- Ozeki Onosato clinched his third career Emperor's Cup with a championship-deciding playoff victory over rank-and-file opponent Takayasu at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Onosato and 35-year-old No. 4 maegashira Takayasu finished the scheduled component of the 15-day competition deadlocked at 12-3 after coming into the final day as joint leaders.

Lower-ranked maegashira Churanoumi, Aonishiki and Tokihayate started the day one win back on the leaderboard at Edion Arena Osaka.

Former ozeki Takayasu ensured he would finish the schedule with at least a share of the lead after seeing off komusubi Abi (6-9) with a pulling overarm throw. Onosato then set the stage for the winner-take-all playoff by forcing out fellow ozeki Kotozakura (8-7).

After a bruising collision, Takayasu got hold of Onosato's belt and began initiating a throw but was thwarted by his younger opponent, who regained balance and executed a rear push out for his first career win over the veteran.

"It has been a struggle this tournament but I'm really happy I managed to clinch the win," Onosato said. "I had faced Takayasu twice in past regulation bouts and hadn't beaten him. I thought it would take determination to win."

The native of Ishikawa Prefecture, which is still rebuilding from a massive earthquake on Jan. 1, 2024, will bid for yokozuna promotion at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in May. Sumo's only current yokozuna, the newly promoted Hoshoryu (5-5-5), was an injury withdrawal in Osaka.

"I think my next tournament is going to be very important," Onosato said. "The struggle still continues in Ishikawa Prefecture, but I hope I can lift people up with my sumo and my victory."

For Takayasu, it was another agonizingly close call. The Ibaraki Prefecture native has been in title contention toward the end of several tournaments over his career but has fallen short each time.

"I'd be lying if I said I have no regrets, but I gave it my all," Takayasu said.

Ukrainian No. 15 maegashira Aonoshiki completed an outstanding top-division debut, improving to 11-4 on his 21st birthday and receiving a Fighting Spirit Prize after beating sekiwake Oho (6-9).

No. 14 maegashira Churanoumi (11-4) also collected a Fighting Spirit Prize as he finished the tournament alongside Aonishiki on the second rung after pushing out sekiwake Daieisho (9-6).

Komusubi Kirishima (8-7) secured a winning record and a continued place among the three "sanyaku" ranks below yokozuna with a force out against No. 18 maegashira Tokihayate (10-5).