May (Natsu) 2015 preview — Hakuho tops the rating chart

Yokozuna Hakuho, who won the title at 14-1, goes for back-to-back championships. Yokozuna Harumafuji went 10-5 last basho and anchors the field again. Yokozuna Kakuryu, who withdrew at 0-1-14 last time, returns looking to make amends.

Ozeki Kisenosato went 9-6 last basho and looks to build on it. Ozeki Kotoshogiku went 8-7 last basho and looks to build on it. Ozeki Goeido went 8-7 last basho and looks to build on it.

In the sanyaku ranks, Tochiozan moves up to Komusubi after going 10-5 at Maegashira 1; Ichinojo moves up to Komusubi after going 9-6 at Maegashira 1.

• Yokozuna Hakuholast basho 14-1
• Yokozuna Harumafujilast basho 10-5
• Yokozuna Kakuryulast basho 0-1-14
• Ozeki Kisenosatolast basho 9-6
• Ozeki Kotoshogikulast basho 8-7
• Ozeki Goeidolast basho 8-7
• Komusubi Tochiozanlast basho Maegashira 1, 10-5
• Komusubi Ichinojolast basho Maegashira 1, 9-6

Returning to makuuchi: Fujiazuma, Takanoiwa.

• Maegashira 13 Fujiazumareturning
• Maegashira 16 Takanoiwareturning

Hakuho tops the pre-basho ELO chart at 2970. On the numbers, these five headline the title race.

• Yokozuna HakuhoELO 2970 ・ Thrower
• Yokozuna KakuryuELO 2674 ・ Pulling Pusher
• Yokozuna HarumafujiELO 2666
• Ozeki KisenosatoELO 2640
• Sekiwake TerunofujiELO 2620 ・ Belt Grinder

• Hakuho (Yokozuna) vs Ichinojo (Komusubi) →head-to-head: Hakuho leads 13-3; the rating model gives Hakuho 92%; Thrower vs Belt Grinder — style matchup slightly favors Hakuho
• Tochiozan (Komusubi) vs Harumafuji (Yokozuna) →head-to-head: Harumafuji leads 26-8; the rating model gives Tochiozan 38%
• Kisenosato (Ozeki) vs Takarafuji (Maegashira 1) →head-to-head: Kisenosato leads 16-2; the rating model gives Kisenosato 72%