July (Nagoya) 2002 preview — Takanohana tops the rating chart

Ozeki Kaio went a strong 11-4 last basho and belongs in the title conversation. Ozeki Chiyotaikai went a strong 11-4 last basho and belongs in the title conversation. Ozeki Tochiazuma went 10-5 last basho and looks to build on it. Ozeki Musoyama withdrew at 9-5-1 last basho — lasting the full fifteen days comes first.

In the sanyaku ranks, Miyabiyama moves up to Komusubi after going 10-5 at Maegashira 3; Tosanoumi moves up to Komusubi after going 8-7 at Maegashira 2.

• Yokozuna Musashimarulast basho 13-2
• Yokozuna Takanohanalast basho 0-0-15
• Ozeki Kaiolast basho 11-4
• Ozeki Chiyotaikailast basho Ozeki, 11-4
• Ozeki Tochiazumalast basho Ozeki, 10-5
• Ozeki Musoyamalast basho Ozeki, 9-5-1
• Komusubi Miyabiyamalast basho Maegashira 3, 10-5
• Komusubi Tosanoumilast basho Maegashira 2, 8-7

Returning to makuuchi: Aogiyama, Hayateumi.

• Maegashira 12 Aogiyamareturning
• Maegashira 13 Hayateumireturning

Takanohana tops the pre-basho ELO chart at 2650. On the numbers, these five headline the title race.

• Yokozuna TakanohanaELO 2650 ・ Belt Grinder
• Yokozuna MusashimaruELO 2594 ・ Forward Pusher
• Ozeki KaioELO 2551 ・ Thrower
• Sekiwake AsashoryuELO 2530 ・ Thrower
• Ozeki TochiazumaELO 2522 ・ Forward Pusher

• Musashimaru (Yokozuna) vs Tosanoumi (Komusubi) →head-to-head: Musashimaru leads 28-6; the rating model gives Musashimaru 80%; Forward Pusher vs Pulling Pusher — style matchup is even
• Kaio (Ozeki) vs Tochinonada (Maegashira 1) →head-to-head: Kaio leads 25-12; the rating model gives Kaio 76%; Thrower vs Thrower — style matchup is even
• Kotonowaka (Maegashira 1) vs Chiyotaikai (Ozeki) →head-to-head: Chiyotaikai leads 12-2; the rating model gives Kotonowaka 24%; Thrower vs Forward Pusher — style matchup slightly favors Kotonowaka