OSAKA, Japan — Grand champion Asashoryu defeated sekiwake Kisenosato on Saturday to stay tied for the lead with Mongolian compatriot Hakuho at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.

Asashoryu forced sekiwake Kisenosato (3-4) down in the day's final bout at Osaka Municipal Gymnasium to remain undefeated at 7-0.

In the previous bout, Hakuho exchanged a series of slaps to the head with Miyabiyama before shoving the No. 3 maegashira out to improve to a perfect 7-0 in the 15-day meet. Miyabiyama dropped to 1-6.

Asashoryu is bidding for his 24th Emperor's Cup, while Hakuho is seeking his 10th. Asashoryu defeated Hakuho in an extra deciding bout at the New Year tournament after the pair finished 14-1.

Resurgent ozeki Kaio stayed one win off the pace when he grabbed a hold of kyokutenho's belt and lifted the komusubi out to improve to 6-1. Kyokutenho was handed his fifth loss against a pair of wins.

Ozeki Harumafuji of Mongolia picked up his fifth win against a pair of losses when he forced Goeido (3-4) to the edge and hoisted the komusibi out over the straw ridge.

No. 2 maegashira Kotoshogiku picked up an easy win and improved to 2-5 when he dodged to his side at the faceoff and swatted down struggling ozeki Chiyotaikai, who fell to 1-6.

In an all-Eastern European showdown, Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu got both arms around sekiwake Baruto and waltzed the Estonian out to improve 5-2. Baruto dropped to 3-4.

Ozeki Kotomitsuki forced out winless top maegashira Hokutoriki to improve to 5-2.