Hokutoriki, Tochiazuma, Asashoryu share the lead at 9 wins

January (Hatsu) 2006 has completed day 10. Hokutoriki, Tochiazuma, Asashoryu share the lead at 9-1.

Championship Race

Kitazakura, Tokitsuumi, Hakuho, Kotooshu trail by one. 5 days remain.

解説・ InsightIf Hokutoriki holds on, it would be the first maegashira championship since Takatoriki in March (Haru) 2000.

Tochisakae (Maegashira 13) beat Futeno (Maegashira 8) by Tsukiotoshi — pre-basho ratings gave just a 23% chance.

Wakatoba (Maegashira 15) beat Kisenosato (Maegashira 9) by Shitatenage — pre-basho ratings gave just a 28% chance.

Kadoban ozeki Tochiazuma reached 9-1 to clear kadoban status.

解説・ InsightThis is kadoban No. 8 — he survived 3 of 7, and fell 4 times.

His pre-basho rating of 2543 sits 150 points below his peak of 2693 — the decline shows in the numbers.

7 rikishi had their winning or losing records decided today.

Maegashira 16 Katayamamake-koshi (2-8)
Maegashira 17 Kitazakurakachi-koshi (8-2)
Maegashira 15 Shunketsumake-koshi (2-8)
Maegashira 14 Tokitsuumikachi-koshi (8-2)
Maegashira 3 Tochinohanamake-koshi (2-8)
Sekiwake Hakuhokachi-koshi (8-2)
Ozeki Kotooshukachi-koshi (8-2)

Asashoryu (Yokozuna, 9-1) vs Iwakiyama (Maegashira 5, 5-5) →head-to-head: Asashoryu leads 15-1; the rating model gives Asashoryu 93%
Tochiazuma (Ozeki, 9-1) vs Kokkai (Maegashira 2, 6-4) →head-to-head: Tochiazuma leads 10-2; the rating model gives Tochiazuma 70%; Forward Pusher vs Pulling Pusher — style matchup is even
Hokutoriki (Maegashira 11, 9-1) vs Kitazakura (Maegashira 17, 8-2) →head-to-head: Hokutoriki leads 5-1; the rating model gives Hokutoriki 71%