May (Natsu) 2006 preview — Asashoryu tops the rating chart

Ozeki Tochiazuma went a strong 12-3 last basho and belongs in the title conversation. Ozeki Kotooshu went 9-6 last basho and looks to build on it. Ozeki Chiyotaikai went 9-6 last basho and looks to build on it. Ozeki Kaio went 8-7 last basho and looks to build on it. Ozeki Hakuho went forced a playoff at 13-2 last basho and looks to build on it.

In the sanyaku ranks, Kyokutenho moves up to Komusubi after going 11-4 at Maegashira 5; Harumafuji moves up to Komusubi after going 8-7 at Maegashira 2.

• Yokozuna Asashoryulast basho 13-2
• Ozeki Tochiazumalast basho 12-3
• Ozeki Kotooshulast basho 9-6
• Ozeki Chiyotaikailast basho 9-6
• Ozeki Kaiolast basho 8-7
• Ozeki Hakuholast basho Sekiwake, 13-2
• Komusubi Kyokutenholast basho Maegashira 5, 11-4
• Komusubi Harumafujilast basho Maegashira 2, 8-7

Making their makuuchi debut: Homasho, Baruto.

Returning to makuuchi: Tosanoumi, Katayama.

• Maegashira 11 Homashodebut
• Maegashira 11 Barutodebut
• Maegashira 12 Tosanoumireturning
• Maegashira 14 Katayamareturning

Asashoryu tops the pre-basho ELO chart at 2786. On the numbers, these five headline the title race.

• Yokozuna AsashoryuELO 2786 ・ Thrower
• Ozeki TochiazumaELO 2693 ・ Forward Pusher
• Ozeki HakuhoELO 2675 ・ Thrower
• Ozeki KotooshuELO 2558
• Sekiwake MiyabiyamaELO 2547

• Asashoryu (Yokozuna) vs Harumafuji (Komusubi) →head-to-head: Asashoryu leads 17-5; the rating model gives Asashoryu 89%; Thrower vs Thrower — style matchup is even
• Tochiazuma (Ozeki) vs Kyokutenho (Komusubi) →head-to-head: Tochiazuma leads 15-12; the rating model gives Tochiazuma 79%; Forward Pusher vs Belt Grinder — style matchup is even
• Kisenosato (Maegashira 1) vs Kotooshu (Ozeki) →head-to-head: Kotooshu leads 29-18; the rating model gives Kisenosato 21%