NAGOYA, Japan — Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu slumped to his second defeat to a lower-ranked wrestler at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, diminishing his chances for a promotion to sumo's highest rank.

Mongolian grand champion Hakuho easily collected his third victory after throwing down Wakanoho to the dirt on Tuesday, sharing the top spot at 3-0 with four junior wrestlers.

Kotooshu, whose real name is Kaloyan Mahlyanov, made sumo history in May by becoming the first European to win an Emperor's Cup. He was seeking to reach the highest rank of yokozuna, or grand champion, by taking the title this tournament with a record better than 13 wins.

But on Tuesday, he was thrown down to the dirt by Toyonoshima, sinking to 1-2. Toyonoshima improved to 3-0 and is among the leaders.

Hakuho, who is aiming for his seventh Emperor's Cup, beat Wakanoho with an impressive overarm throw. Wakanoho, a top maegashira, is winless.

Another Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu, aiming for his 23rd title, resisted Aminishiki's ringside charge and instead pushed the opponent out of the straw ridge, improving to 2-1. Aminishiki slipped to 1-2.

Champion Kotomitsuki outpowered Asasekiryu with an ringside underarm throw for a 3-0 record.