TOKYO — Grand champion Asashoryu of Mongolia defeated Estonian wrestler Baruto on Sunday, the opening day of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.

Asashoryu came in low at the faceoff and got a grip of Baruto's belt before hauling the komusubi down at Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Asashoryu is gunning for his 23rd Emperor's Cup. He missed July's Nagoya meet with injuries and will be looking to bounce back with a strong showing in this tournament.

Baruto was making his debut at komusubi, sumo's fourth-highest rank.

In the day's final bout, grand champion Hakuho of Mongolia overpowered komusubi Asasekiryu to open with a one-sided win.

Asasekiryu was slow at the faceoff and was no match for the determined yokozuna, who won his seventh title at the Nagoya tournament.

Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu was pushed back at the faceoff but recovered to force out No. 2 maegashira Kisenosato.

Ozeki Kotomitsuki used a series of arm thrusts to overpower top maegashira Miyabiyama and pick up an opening-day win.

Ozeki Chiyotaikai hauled down No. 3 maegashira Kyokutenho of Mongolia to open his campaign with a win.

Top maegashira Kotoshogiku opened with a win when he got both hands on the belt of Kaio and forced the veteran ozeki out over the straw ridge.

Sekiwake Ama of Mongolia got a hold of Tochinonada's belt and forced out the No. 4 maegashira to get off to a winning start.