Yokozuna Asashoryu moved a step closer to the title of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament with his 12th straight win while fellow Mongolian Hakuho kept his promotion hopes alive on Thursday.
Asashoryu maintained his blemish-free record by disposing of ozeki Kotooshu (6-6) with a powerful throw and stayed two wins clear of Hakuho and two rank-and-filers in the race for the Emperor's Cup.
Asashoryu could clinch his 17th career title and first since his triumph at the spring meet in March as early as Friday.
In Thursday's final bout, Asashoryu showed no mercy against his Bulgarian opponent, wrestling with the effects of a nagging knee injury, and hauled him down with a timely left-arm throw while resting his injured right arm.