This was the most reasonable approach, so the center branch was pruned out. I forgot to capture this shot, so I will have to skip ahead for a moment and show you a photo taken later with both apex and roots already pruned. Then we'll go back and consider the repotting!
Here the tree appears after the top has been pruned. It is now ready for repotting. Always try to get the basic styling completed before you take the tree out of the pot. You will be able to work much more quickly and do less damage to the tree. The exception to this "rule" would be if you have a tree in which the style will be determined by the root arrangement.
Before doing anything else, take a look around the surface of the soil and beneath the pot to understand how it might be secured. I didn't do the last transplant on this tree, so I have to be ready for anything.
The photo below shows a pretty conventional arrangement. A single aluminum wire secures the tree and there are some drainage screens covering the holes in the pot and those are also secured with wires.
