TOKYO — Bulgarian Kotooshu beat grand champion Hakuho in a stunning victory on Thursday, edging closer to become the first European sumo wrestler to win the Emperor's Cup.

The 25-year-old Bulgarian rising star grabbed the 23-year-old Mongolian and quickly threw him out of the ring, snatching his 12th straight win in the 15-day tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan (sumo stadium).

A packed crowd roared, throwing seat cushions as a triumphant and smiling Kotooshu walked out of the ring after the match, the last bout of the day.

The victory came a day after Kotooshu stunned the audience on Wednesday by conquering grand champion and Mongolian Asashoryu.

Kotooshu began the 15-day tournament with the modest ambition of posting a winning record to avoid demotion. But now in the midst of his most impressive showing in years, the Bulgarian wrestler is on the brink of history.

Meanwhile, Asashoryu, 27, took his third defeat from 32-year-old Japanese Chiyotaikai, who threw the Mongolian wrestler to the ring's surface. Asashoryu, who dropped to 9-3, still aims for his 23rd Emperor's Cup.

Fellow Mongolian Hakuho is also seeking his seventh title win. In March, Asashoryu beat Hakuho on the final day of the spring tournament.