TOKYO — Grand champion Hakuho forced out fellow Mongolian Ama on Tuesday to stay tied for the lead at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.

Hakuho got a grip of Ama's belt in the day's final bout at Ryogoku Kokugikan and muscled the sekiwake out to improve to 9-1 in the 15-day meet, equal with No. 5 maegashira Goeido.

Ama, who defeated grand champion Asashoryu on Monday, fell to 8-2.

Earlier Tuesday, Asashoryu of Mongolia pulled out of the meet with an injured left elbow.

Asashoryu dropped to a record of five wins and five losses with Tuesday's forfeit to Goeido, who improved to 9-1 to maintain a share of the lead.

Kotomitsuki kept his title hopes alive when he threw down fellow ozeki Chiyotaikai to improve to 8-2. Chiyotaikai fell to 6-4.

Veteran grappler Kaio used an arm throw to send fellow ozeki Kotooshu of Bulgaria over the straw ridge. Kaio improved to 7-3 while Kotooshu dropped to 5-5.

Asashoryu presented the Japan Sumo Association with a medical certificate saying he needs three weeks to recover from a ligament injury to his elbow.

Asashoryu also pulled out of the Nagoya sumo tournament in July with an injury.

The 27-year-old Asashoryu has won 22 Emperor's Cups in his career but has struggled with injuries this year.