OSAKA, Japan — Asashoryu rose back from two past losses and defeated Kaio on today, all prepared for the showdown with his rival grand champion Hakuho at tomorrow's finale of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.

Asashoryu got his right hand on Kaio's belt and threw the ozeki out of the ring at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, heading into the final-day battle in a 12-2 tie with Hakuho. Kaio is 8-6.

Hakuho collected his latest win by overpowering Kotomitsuki after patiently resisting a series of slaps and thrusts before blasting him over the straw ridge. Kotomitsuki fell to 7-7.

Asashoryu, who was suspended from two tournaments last year due to bad behavior, is seeking his 22nd Emperor's Cup. Hakuho is aiming to become only the sixth wrestler since 1958 to win four consecutive titles.

Saturday's victories by the two grand champions dashed the slim hopes of Europeans Kokkai and Baruto to win the tournament after collecting 11 victories against three losses.

Estonian Baruto, who is No. 7 maegashira, locked up ozeki Chiyotaikai to send him sliding down the dirt floor and out of the straw ridge. Kokkai, a No. 5 maegashira from Georgia, ducked down to charge Homasho, slapping the lower-ranked opponent down to the ground. Chiyotaikai is 8-6 and Homasho dipped to 9-5.