September (Aki) 1996 preview — Takanohana tops the rating chart

Ozeki Takanonami went a strong 12-3 last basho and belongs in the title conversation. Ozeki Wakanohana went 10-5 last basho and looks to build on it. Ozeki Musashimaru went 10-5 last basho and looks to build on it.

In the sanyaku ranks, Kotonowaka moves up to Komusubi after going 9-6 at Maegashira 2; Kotonishiki moves up to Komusubi after going 9-6 at Maegashira 2.

• Yokozuna Takanohanalast basho 13-2
• Yokozuna Akebonolast basho 12-3
• Ozeki Takanonamilast basho Ozeki, 12-3
• Ozeki Wakanohanalast basho Ozeki, 10-5
• Ozeki Musashimarulast basho 10-5
• Komusubi Kotonowakalast basho Maegashira 2, 9-6
• Komusubi Kotonishikilast basho Maegashira 2, 9-6

Making their makuuchi debut: Kyokushuzan, Daihisho.

• Maegashira 15 Kyokushuzandebut
• Maegashira 15 Daihishodebut

Takanohana tops the pre-basho ELO chart at 2558. On the numbers, these five headline the title race.

• Yokozuna TakanohanaELO 2558 ・ Belt Grinder
• Yokozuna AkebonoELO 2409 ・ Forward Pusher
• Ozeki TakanonamiELO 2389 ・ Thrower
• Sekiwake KaioELO 2362 ・ Thrower
• Ozeki WakanohanaELO 2353 ・ Pulling Pusher

• Takanohana (Yokozuna) vs Kotonishiki (Komusubi) →head-to-head: Takanohana leads 34-14; the rating model gives Takanohana 88%; Belt Grinder vs Forward Pusher — style matchup is even
• Kotobeppu (Maegashira 3) vs Akebono (Yokozuna) →head-to-head: Akebono leads 6-0; the rating model gives Kotobeppu 12%; Belt Grinder vs Forward Pusher — style matchup is even
• Takanonami (Ozeki) vs Kotonowaka (Komusubi) →head-to-head: Takanonami leads 29-22; the rating model gives Takanonami 71%; Thrower vs Thrower — style matchup is even