TOKYO — Grand champion Asashoryu won his match and the admiration of the cheering crowd Monday after defeating Kotoshogiku at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, temporarily silencing calls for an early retirement.

Asashoryu, despite a failure to take control of Kotoshogiku's belt, gripped the opponent tightly from both sides and twisted him down to the dirt surface, wrapping up with a slap on the back.

Under-fire Asashoryu added a much needed second win at Ryogoku Kokugikan for a 2-0 record. The top maegashira is winless.

Asashoryu sat out part or all of the last three tournaments due to injuries to his elbow and knee. The 28-year-old has won 22 Emperor's Cup's but is nowhere close to being as dominant as he was a few years ago.

The Mongolian grand champion will still have to stay in contention throughout the 15-day meet to avoid more pressure for his retirement.

In other major bouts, Mongolian grand champion Hakuho, the odds-on favorite to win the tournament, shoved out Kyokutenho. Hakuho is 1-1 and the top maegashira is 0-2.

Newly promoted ozeki Harumafuji had a good start, pushing Miyabiyama toward the straw ridge. But he suffered a surprise throw at the last minute, facing a second defeat in a row. The No. 2 maegashira posted his first win against one loss.

Harumafuji, formerly known as Ama, was promoted from sekiwake to the second-highest rank in sumo in November after posting a record of 13-2.

Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu steadily bulldozed out komusubi Kisenosato, collecting another win after a big win against Hakuho in Sunday's opening match.

Veteran Kaio slammed down sekiwake Aminishiki to the ground for a 2-0, leaving the opponent at 1-1.

Kaio has said he would retire after the new Year tourney if he is unable to post a winning record, which he needs to maintain his ozeki status.

Ozeki Chiyotaikai charged Toyonoshima with series of powerful hand thrusts and head-butting into the opponent's chest, sending the sekiwake flying down the raised ring into spectators.