OSAKA, Japan — Grand champion Asashoryu was handed his second loss at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday, losing ground to main rival and sole leader Hakuho with three days left in the 15-day meet.

Mongolian Asashoryu, who is bidding for his 24th title, dropped to 10-2 when he was forced to the edge and lifted out by ozeki Kotomitsuki.

It was a painful loss as Asashoryu will now need a major meltdown by Hakuho to have any chance of hoisting the Emperor's Cup on Sunday.

Kotomitsuki improved to 8-5.

In the day's final bout at Osaka Municipal Gymnasium, grand champion Hakuho took a major step toward his 10th Emperor's Cup when he forced out fellow Mongolian Harumafuji.

Hakuho improved to a perfect 12-0 while ozeki Harumafuji dropped to 7-5.

In other major bouts, Chiyotaikai's nightmare tournament took a turn for the worse when the struggling ozeki was sent sprawling to the dirt surface by hapless No. 3 maegashira Miyabiyama.

Chiyotaikai dropped to 2-10 while Miyabiyama improved to 4-8.

Bulgarian Kotooshu wrapped up a winning record when he forced out fellow ozeki Kaio to give both wrestlers a record of 8-4.

Estonian sekiwake Baruto got a grip on the belt of Tochiozan and lifted the No. 2 maegashira out to pick up his fifth win against seven losses. Tochiozan saw his record drop to 7-5.