OSAKA, Japan — Grand champion Hakuho defeated Kotoshogiku on Wednesday to remain in a share of the lead with fellow Mongolian Asashoryu and Yamamotoyama at the Spring Grand Sumo tournament.

In the day's final bout at Osaka Municipal Gymnasium, Hakuho was pushed back at the faceoff but got a left-hand grip on the belt of Kotoshogiku and lifted the No. 2 maegashira out, improving to 4-0 in the 15-day meet. Kotoshogiku fell to 1-3.

Grand champion Asashoryu was handed an easy win when No. 2 maegashira Tochiozan (2-2) lost his footing and fell down shortly after the faceoff.

Asashoryu, 4-0, is bidding for his 24th Emperor's Cup while Hakuho is seeking his 10th.

Lower-ranked wrestler Yamamotoyama, who weighs in at 248-kilograms (546 pounds) also stands at 4-0 after defeating Toyozakura in an earlier bout.

In other major bouts, komusubi Kyokutenho beat Kotooshu to improve to 2-2.

Bulgarian Kotooshu looked set for his third win when he forced Kyokutenho to the edge, but the Mongolian prevailed with a last-minute arm throw that sent the ozeki toppling off the raised ring. Kotooshu dropped to 2-2.

Komusubi Goeido fought off a series of arm thrusts and defeated Chiyotaikai when he got a grip of the ozeki's belt and lifted him out over the edge to improve to 2-2. Chiyotaikai dropped to 1-3.

Ozeki Harumafuji of Mongolia was pushed back at the faceoff but won after he dodged to his side as Hokutoriki was carried out by his own momentum.

Harumafuji improved to 3-1 while top maegashira Hokutoriki remained winless.

Veteran ozeki Kaio forced out Estonian sekiwake Baruto to pick up his third win against one loss. Baruto fell to 2-2.

Ozeki Kotomitsuki hauled down Kakuryu for his second win against a pair of losses. Top maegashira Kakuryu stands at 1-3.