Konishiki chases the rope at May (Natsu) 1992

Yokozuna Hokutoumi, who withdrew at 0-3-12 last time, returns looking to make amends.

Ozeki Kirishima went a strong 12-3 last basho and belongs in the title conversation.

In the sanyaku ranks, Akinoshima moves up to Komusubi after going 12-3 at Maegashira 2; Kotonishiki moves up to Komusubi after going 9-6 at Maegashira 1; Musashimaru moves up to Komusubi after going 9-6 at Maegashira 1.

• Yokozuna Hokutoumilast basho 0-3-12
• Ozeki Kirishimalast basho 12-3
• Komusubi Akinoshimalast basho Maegashira 2, 12-3
• Komusubi Kotonishikilast basho Maegashira 1, 9-6
• Komusubi Musashimarulast basho Maegashira 1, 9-6

After going 12-3 two basho ago, ozeki Konishiki took the last one at 13-2. The standard is "back-to-back championships, or the equivalent" — stay at the front of the race here, and the rope becomes real. His pre-basho rating of 2384 sits at career-peak level — the numbers back the ability.

• Ozeki Konishikilast basho 13-2 ・ champion ・ yokozuna bid

Making their makuuchi debut: Wakanoyama, Tokitsunada.

Returning to makuuchi: Wakashoyo, Tamakairiki.

• Maegashira 11 Wakashoyoreturning
• Maegashira 12 Wakanoyamadebut
• Maegashira 13 Tamakairikireturning
• Maegashira 14 Tokitsunadadebut

Konishiki tops the pre-basho ELO chart at 2384. On the numbers, these five headline the title race.

• Ozeki KonishikiELO 2384
• Ozeki KirishimaELO 2263 ・ Belt Grinder
• Sekiwake TochinowakaELO 2254 ・ Belt Grinder
• Sekiwake AkebonoELO 2200 ・ Forward Pusher
• Komusubi KotonishikiELO 2178 ・ Belt Grinder

• Konishiki (Ozeki) vs Musashimaru (Komusubi) →head-to-head: Musashimaru leads 8-7; the rating model gives Konishiki 80%
• Misugisato (Maegashira 1) vs Kirishima (Ozeki) →head-to-head: Kirishima leads 14-11; the rating model gives Misugisato 24%; Thrower vs Belt Grinder — style matchup slightly favors Misugisato
• Tochinowaka (Sekiwake) vs Tomoefuji (Maegashira 1) →head-to-head: Tochinowaka leads 2-2; the rating model gives Tochinowaka 77%