Sumo: New champion Mitakeumi cherishes maiden tournament victory english.kyodonews.net

Sipping sake from a giant silver cup gives the drink a special taste, Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament champion Mitakeumi said Monday.

A day after being crowned champion for the first time in his career, the 25-year-old sekiwake said he relished drinking from the ceremonial sake vessel awarded to tournament winners among a host of prizes.

"It tasted fantastic," a grinning Mitakeumi said at his Dewanoumi stable in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture at the traditional morning-after press conference.