Chiyotaikai chases the rope at September (Aki) 2002

Yokozuna Musashimaru went 10-5 last basho and anchors the field again. Yokozuna Takanohana, who sat out the entire tournament last time, returns looking to make amends.

Ozeki Asashoryu went a strong 12-3 last basho and belongs in the title conversation.

In the sanyaku ranks, Takamisakari moves up to Komusubi after going 9-6 at Maegashira 2; Takanonami moves up to Komusubi after going 9-6 at Maegashira 7.

• Yokozuna Musashimarulast basho 10-5
• Yokozuna Takanohanalast basho 0-0-15
• Ozeki Asashoryulast basho Sekiwake, 12-3
• Komusubi Takamisakarilast basho Maegashira 2, 9-6
• Komusubi Takanonamilast basho Maegashira 7, 9-6

After going 11-4 two basho ago, ozeki Chiyotaikai took the last one at 14-1. The standard is "back-to-back championships, or the equivalent" — stay at the front of the race here, and the rope becomes real. His pre-basho rating of 2572 sits at career-peak level — the numbers back the ability.

Meanwhile, ozeki Tochiazuma, after finishing 3-2-10 last basho, enters this one kadoban. It is his first kadoban since reaching the rank. His pre-basho rating of 2490 is 203 points off his peak of 2693 — yet still the No. 5 figure in makuuchi. The ability is there; the question is the record.

Meanwhile, ozeki Kaio, after finishing 0-4-11 last basho, enters this one kadoban. It is kadoban No. 3, but he has fought his way out of all 2 previous ones. The numbers add to the worry: his rating of 2452 sits 216 points below his peak of 2668, just No. 7 in makuuchi — thin for an ozeki. Can he summon the rank's pride anyway?

Meanwhile, ozeki Musoyama, after finishing 0-0-15 last basho, enters this one kadoban. It is kadoban No. 2 — he survived 0 of 1, but fell to sekiwake 1 time. His rating of 2450 remains near his career peak (No. 8 in makuuchi) — the ability is intact, and escape is well within reach.

• Ozeki Chiyotaikailast basho 14-1 ・ champion ・ yokozuna bid
• Ozeki Tochiazumalast basho 3-2-10 ・ kadoban #1
• Ozeki Kaiolast basho 0-4-11 ・ kadoban #3
• Ozeki Musoyamalast basho 0-0-15 ・ kadoban #2

Making their makuuchi debut: Kasuganishiki, Ushiomaru.

Returning to makuuchi: Gojoro, Asanowaka, Tochinohana.

• Maegashira 9 Gojororeturning
• Maegashira 10 Kasuganishikidebut
• Maegashira 13 Asanowakareturning
• Maegashira 14 Tochinohanareturning
• Maegashira 15 Ushiomarudebut

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

• Yokozuna TakanohanaELO 2650 ・ Belt Grinder
• Ozeki ChiyotaikaiELO 2572 ・ Forward Pusher
• Ozeki AsashoryuELO 2548 ・ Thrower
• Yokozuna MusashimaruELO 2530 ・ Forward Pusher
• Ozeki TochiazumaELO 2490 ・ Forward Pusher

• Musashimaru (Yokozuna) vs Takanonami (Komusubi) →head-to-head: Musashimaru leads 39-21; the rating model gives Musashimaru 81%; Forward Pusher vs Thrower — style matchup slightly favors Takanonami
• Takamisakari (Komusubi) vs Takanohana (Yokozuna) →head-to-head: Takanohana leads 1-0; the rating model gives Takamisakari 13%; Belt Grinder vs Belt Grinder — style matchup is even
• Chiyotaikai (Ozeki) vs Tosanoumi (Sekiwake) →head-to-head: Chiyotaikai leads 21-10; the rating model gives Chiyotaikai 71%; Forward Pusher vs Pulling Pusher — style matchup is even