Miyabiyama Tetsushi Miyabiyama's promotion was controversial. The Sumo Association's decision was not unanimous, with three of the ten directors present at the meeting voting against the promotion. Sakaigawa-"oyakata" (former "yokozuna" Sadanoyama), in particular, was reported to have felt it was too soon as Miyabiyama had only been in "makuuchi" for just over a year, and had not yet won a top division title. In the end the doubters were proved correct as Miyabiyama lasted just eight tournaments in the rank, never scoring more than 9 wins, before being demoted in the wake of two consecutive losing records. He was one of the
Miyabiyama Tetsushi record. In March 2007 Miyabiyama finally earned his first gold star by defeating "yokozuna" Asashōryū on the second day. He had defeated "yokozuna" on four previous occasions – Akebono in January 2000, Akebono and Wakanohana in March 2000 and Asashoryu himself in September 2004, but each time had been ranked in "sanyaku" and was not eligible for a "kinboshi". The victory was all the more surprising as prior to this bout Miyabiyama had lost thirteen in a row to Asashōryū. However, on the 7th day he picked up a hamstring injury and had to withdraw from the tournament. He returned