Hakuho Wins in Playoff

Here's the final bout:

Asia and Japan Watch opens their report with this:

Yokozuna Hakuho won his 28th career title on Jan. 26 after Mongolian compatriot Kakuryu forced a tie-breaker in an exciting finish to the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.

The Japan Times says,

Hakuho suffered his first setback with a defeat at the hands of ozeki Kakuryu in the final bout of regulation, but bounced back to claim the Emperor’s Cup with an impregnable display in the playoff, moving him within four titles of matching legendary yokozuna Taiho’s all-time record of 32 championships.

Sometimes the winner is known early, but this tournament wasn't decided until the final match on the final day.