November (Kyushu) 2008 preview — Hakuho tops the rating chart

Ozeki Kotomitsuki went a strong 11-4 last basho and belongs in the title conversation. Ozeki Kaio 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 Kotooshu went 8-7 last basho and looks to build on it.

In the sanyaku ranks, Goeido moves up to Komusubi after going 10-5 at Maegashira 5; Aminishiki moves up to Komusubi after going 8-7 at Maegashira 4.

• Yokozuna Hakuholast basho 14-1
• Yokozuna Asashoryulast basho 5-5-5
• Ozeki Kotomitsukilast basho 11-4
• Ozeki Kaiolast basho Ozeki, 9-6
• Ozeki Chiyotaikailast basho Ozeki, 9-6
• Ozeki Kotooshulast basho Ozeki, 8-7
• Komusubi Goeidolast basho Maegashira 5, 10-5
• Komusubi Aminishikilast basho Maegashira 4, 8-7

Making their makuuchi debut: Bushuyama, Aran.

Returning to makuuchi: Koryu, Kasuganishiki, Tosanoumi.

• Maegashira 10 Bushuyamadebut
• Maegashira 10 Arandebut
• Maegashira 11 Koryureturning
• Maegashira 12 Kasuganishikireturning
• Maegashira 16 Tosanoumireturning

Hakuho tops the pre-basho ELO chart at 2848. On the numbers, these five headline the title race.

• Yokozuna HakuhoELO 2848 ・ Thrower
• Sekiwake HarumafujiELO 2651 ・ Thrower
• Ozeki KotomitsukiELO 2614 ・ Belt Grinder
• Yokozuna AsashoryuELO 2606 ・ Thrower
• Ozeki KaioELO 2556

• Hakuho (Yokozuna) vs Aminishiki (Komusubi) →head-to-head: Hakuho leads 37-4; the rating model gives Hakuho 90%; Thrower vs Technician — style matchup slightly favors Hakuho
• Kotomitsuki (Ozeki) vs Goeido (Komusubi) →head-to-head: Goeido leads 6-5; the rating model gives Kotomitsuki 72%; Belt Grinder vs Thrower — style matchup slightly favors Goeido
• Toyonoshima (Maegashira 1) vs Kaio (Ozeki) →head-to-head: Toyonoshima leads 8-7; the rating model gives Toyonoshima 40%