Tochiazuma, Asanowaka, Kaio, Musashimaru, Akebono share the lead at 6 wins

Tamakasuga, Kotonishiki, Akinoshima, Wakanohana trail by one. 8 days remain.

• Maegashira 15 Tochiazuma6-1
• Maegashira 11 Asanowaka6-1
• Sekiwake Kaio6-1
• Ozeki Musashimaru6-1
• Yokozuna Akebono6-1 ・ W6
• Maegashira 5 Tamakasuga5-2
• Sekiwake Kotonishiki5-2
• Maegashira 2 Akinoshima5-2

Asanosho (Maegashira 4) beat Takanonami (Ozeki) by Oshidashi — pre-basho ratings gave just a 15% chance. He had trailed their head-to-head 1-5, which makes it count double.

• Maegashira 4 Asanosho3-4

• Kotonishiki (Sekiwake, 5-2) vs Akebono (Yokozuna, 6-1) →head-to-head: Akebono leads 30-11; the rating model gives Kotonishiki 34%; Belt Grinder vs Forward Pusher — style matchup is even
• Mitoizumi (Maegashira 2, 1-6) vs Musashimaru (Ozeki, 6-1) →head-to-head: Musashimaru leads 10-3; the rating model gives Mitoizumi 14%; Belt Grinder vs Forward Pusher — style matchup is even
• Daishoho (Maegashira 1, 1-6) vs Kaio (Sekiwake, 6-1) →head-to-head: Kaio leads 3-1; the rating model gives Daishoho 20%