TOKYO — Grand champion Asashoryu threw down Kyokutenho at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday to extend his winning streak to three bouts and keep pace with his rival Hakuho.

Beleaguered Asashoryu survived the top maegashira's throwing attempt before fighting back with an underarm throw, smashing his opponent to the dirt surface at Ryogoku Kokugikan to improve his record to 3-0.

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 Cups, but his repeated absence and loss of the dominance he enjoyed until a few years ago have triggered questions about whether he should continue his sumo career.

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

Hakuho, another grand champion from Mongolia, quickly shoved out Miyabiyama and extended his winning streak to three, against no loss. The No. 2 maegashira Miyabiyama fell to 1-2.

In other major bouts, newly promoted ozeki Harumafuji, also Mongolian, was easily pushed out by komusubi Toyonoshima for an embarrassing third straight loss since the opening day. Toyonoshima picked up his first win against two losses.

Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu charged Yoshikaze with fierce hand thrusts into the chest while pushing the No. 2 maegashira to the straw ridge, giving him a final push to remain unbeaten at 3-0. Yoshikaze dipped to 1-2.

Ozeki Chiyotaikai bulldozed out Aminishiki for 3-0, with the sekiwake slipping to 1-2.

Estonian sekiwake Baruto struggled to throw out Kisenosato and the pair ended up flying out of the ring together, but Baruto hit the dirt a split second after his opponent, grabbing a lucky third win for a 3-0 record. Kisenosato, a komusubi, is still winless.