TOKYO (Kyodo) -- No. 14 maegashira Kinbozan moved a win away from his maiden Emperor's Cup on Saturday by overcoming title rival Kirishima and maintain the sole lead heading into the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament's final day.

Yokozuna promotion-chasing ozeki Hoshoryu and No. 3 maegashira Oho each improved to 11-3 to stay a win back as the penultimate round of the 15-day meet generated plenty of heat on the raised ring at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan arena.

Kinbozan (12-2) was tested throughout by No. 1 maegashira Kirishima (10-4) after the former ozeki grabbed left-overarm and right-underarm belt holds straight away against the first Kazakhstani wrestler in the elite makuuchi division.

Kinbozan forced a standstill in the middle but Kirishima kept up the pressure with an outside leg trip, followed by an overarm throw attempt. But Kinbozan showed remarkable strength to keep his balance and floored Kirishima with a right beltless arm throw, simultaneously ending his opponent's 10-bout winning run and title hopes.

The 27-year-old, 195-centimeter Kinbozan is back in the top flight after one tournament in the second-tier juryo division and winning its championship at November's Kyushu tourney.

Hoshoryu stayed in the title race in style as the ozeki produced a quick slap to the face of Takerufuji (10-4) before immediately securing underarm belt holds with both hands. Hoshoryu emphatically hoisted the No. 11 maegashira off his feet and forced him out of the ring and the title race.

Having gone 13-2 in November, Hoshoryu can secure promotion to sumo's exalted top rank with a championship-caliber performance this month. His fifth straight win has kept his hopes alive for both a promotion and a second makuuchi-division championship.

Oho, the grandson of former yokozuna Taiho, remained in the hunt for his first Emperor's Cup after barely fending off No. 1 maegashira Takanosho (6-8).

An even opening exchange was followed by a powerful Takanosho drive that left Oho backpedaling. But a left armlock throw knocked the former sekiwake off balance before a thrust down at the edge from Oho, again using his left arm, sent Takanosho to the sandy surface.

Kotozakura (5-9) fell to another defeat as the Kyushu meet champion, who began the year bidding for yokozuna promotion, was easily shoved out by fellow ozeki Onosato (9-5).

Kotozakura will fight as a demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki at March's Spring meet in Osaka, where he will need at least eight wins to remain at the sport's second-highest rank.