Musashimaru, Akebono share the lead at 9 wins

Tochiazuma, Kaio, Wakanohana trail by one. 5 days remain.

• Ozeki Musashimaru9-1 ・ W6
• Yokozuna Akebono9-1 ・ W9
• Maegashira 15 Tochiazuma8-2
• Sekiwake Kaio8-2
• Ozeki Wakanohana8-2 ・ W7

Higonoumi (Maegashira 10) beat Tamakasuga (Maegashira 5) by Hatakikomi — pre-basho ratings gave just a 34% chance.

• Maegashira 10 Higonoumi7-3

3 rikishi had their winning or losing records decided today.

• Maegashira 15 Tochiazumakachi-koshi (8-2)
• Maegashira 3 Teraomake-koshi (2-8)
• Ozeki Wakanohanakachi-koshi (8-2)

• Terao (Maegashira 3, 2-8) vs Akebono (Yokozuna, 9-1) →head-to-head: Akebono leads 14-3; the rating model gives Terao 14%; Pulling Pusher vs Forward Pusher — style matchup is even
• Kaio (Sekiwake, 8-2) vs Musashimaru (Ozeki, 9-1) →head-to-head: Musashimaru leads 26-20; the rating model gives Kaio 47%; Thrower vs Forward Pusher — style matchup slightly favors Kaio