TOKYO — Grand champion Asashoryu moved a step closer to claiming his 23rd Emperor's Cup with a convincing win over Baruto on Thursday at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.

In the day's final bout at Ryogoku Kokugikan, Mongolian Asashoryu jumped to his side at the faceoff before getting hold of Baruto's belt and shoving the Estonian sekiwake out to improve to a perfect 12-0 in the 15-day meet.

Baruto was handed his fourth straight loss and dropped to 7-5.

Asashoryu, who came into the tournament facing calls for his retirement, has a one-win lead over fellow grand champion Hakuho heading into the final three days of the tournament.

Earlier Thursday, ozeki Kotomitsuki withdrew because of a right ankle injury.

Hakuho, Kotomitsuki's scheduled opponent, was awarded a win by default and improved to 11-1. Kotomitsuki sustained the injury prior to the tournament and dropped to a 2-10.

Newly promoted ozeki Harumafuji shoved out ozeki Chiyotaikai (7-5) to pick up his third straight win and improve to 6-6. Harumafuji lost his first four bouts of the tournament but has recovered and looks set to secure a winning record in his debut at sumo's second-highest rank.

Kaio (8-4) used an arm throw to dispatch No. 3 maegashira Takekaze (5-7) and wrap up the winning record he needs to maintain his ozeki status for the next tournament.

Bulgarian Kotooshu (9-3) forced out fourth-ranked maegashira Kokkai (4-8).