TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Rank-and-file Kazakhstani wrestler Kinbozan suffered his first defeat Tuesday, the 10th day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, where four maegashira wrestlers are in contention with two ozeki hot on their heels.

Kinbozan (9-1), a No. 14 maegashira, leaned too far forward on his charge, allowing komusubi Abi (6-4) to shove him to one side by the throat and thrust him down.

Two maegashira, No. 3 Oho and No. 11 Takerufuji, moved to within one win of the lead at 8-2, while No. 5 Chiyoshoma joined them after slipping down to his second defeat of the 15-day meet at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Veteran No. 10 maegashira Tamawashi (6-4) repeatedly head-butted Oho, who has had a cut over his right eye. But the 40-year-old could do little more than spill blood as the 24-year-old stood his ground and powered him from the ring.

"I am not going to come out second best in a pushing and shoving contest," Oho said.

Takerufuji had an easier time of it, making No. 6 maegashira Ichiyamamoto (6-4) pay for a poorly executed charge by thrusting him to the sandy surface from the jump.

Two ozeki, Hoshoryu and Onosato, each won to improve to 7-3, with Hoshoryu keeping his slim hopes of promotion to the sport's highest rank of yokozuna alive by beating sekiwake Daieisho (6-4).

Hoshoryu, who needs a championship-caliber record here to achieve the rank once held by his uncle, Asashoryu, calmly managed Daieisho's charge and flung him down with a pulling overarm throw to snap a two-bout losing streak.

Onosato started poorly but slapped down Gonoyama (5-5). The No. 3 maegashira, who twice false started, forced the ozeki backward, but was sent flying from the ring when he lowered his head too far in preparation for a decisive lunge.

The third ozeki, Kotozakura (4-6), who also entered the tourney with a shot at yokozuna promotion, shoved out Hiradoumi (5-5) a day after the No. 5 maegashira defeated Hoshoryu.