OSAKA, Japan — Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu beat Estonian sekiwake Baruto Monday to stay undefeated, vying for the title against compatriot Hakuho at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.

Asashoryu, 28, bulldozed Baruto out of the straw ridge as he released himself from a locked position in the day's final bout at Osaka Municipal Gymnasium. The popular Mongolian champion, who is bidding for his 24th Emperor's Cup, improved to 9-0.

Hakuho also picked up his ninth win, beating ozeki Kotomitsuki. The 24-year-old Mongolian grand champion is bidding for his 10th title.

Kotomitsuki earlier pushed Hakuho with a series of slaps, but the Mongolian wrestler grabbed the belt of his Japanese opponent and quickly shoved him out of the ring.

In other major bouts, Bulgarian Kotooshu overpowered Mongolian ozeki Harumafuji, improving to 6-3. Harumafuji seemed powerless as he was quickly crushed underneath the Bulgarian wrestler. The Mongolian ozeki fell to 5-4.

Top maegashira and Mongolian Kakuryu (4-5) beat Goeido by lifting up the Japanese opponent and tossing him out of the ring.