Kotonishiki, Akebono share the lead at 11 wins

Kototsubaki trail by one. 3 days remain.

• Komusubi Kotonishiki11-1 ・ W7
• Ozeki Akebono11-1 ・ W6
• Maegashira 14 Kototsubaki10-2 ・ W6

Kototsubaki (Maegashira 14) beat Kushimaumi (Maegashira 2) by Hatakikomi — pre-basho ratings gave just a 31% chance.

• Maegashira 14 Kototsubaki10-2

Kadoban ozeki Kirishima withdrew at 1-7-4. With no path to a winning record, demotion to sekiwake is certain.

• Ozeki Kirishima1-7-4 ・ kadoban #4――――

11 rikishi had their winning or losing records decided today.

• Maegashira 12 Kirinishikikachi-koshi (8-4)
• Maegashira 15 Hananokunimake-koshi (4-8)
• Maegashira 11 Kotofujimake-koshi (4-8)
• Maegashira 14 Kotobeppukachi-koshi (8-4)
• Maegashira 8 Tamakairikimake-koshi (4-8)
• Maegashira 8 Daishoyamamake-koshi (4-8)
• Maegashira 7 Mainoumimake-koshi (4-8)
• Sekiwake Akinoshimamake-koshi (4-8)
• Sekiwake Takanohanakachi-koshi (8-4)
• Maegashira 6 Tomoefujikachi-koshi (8-4)
• Komusubi Kyokudozanmake-koshi (4-8)

• Toyonoumi (Maegashira 7, 9-3) vs Akebono (Ozeki, 11-1) →head-to-head: Akebono leads 3-1; the rating model gives Toyonoumi 18%; Forward Pusher vs Forward Pusher — style matchup is even
• Musashimaru (Sekiwake, 9-3) vs Takanohana (Sekiwake, 8-4) →head-to-head: Takanohana leads 33-19; the rating model gives Musashimaru 43%; Forward Pusher vs Belt Grinder — style matchup is even
• Kotonishiki (Komusubi, 11-1) vs Takatoriki (Komusubi, 3-9) →head-to-head: Kotonishiki leads 28-18; the rating model gives Kotonishiki 62%; Belt Grinder vs Forward Pusher — style matchup is even