May (Natsu) 2019 preview — Hakuho tops the rating chart

Ozeki Goeido went a strong 12-3 last basho and belongs in the title conversation. Ozeki Takayasu went 10-5 last basho and looks to build on it. Ozeki Takakeisho went 10-5 last basho and looks to build on it.

In the sanyaku ranks, Ichinojo moves up to Sekiwake after going 14-1 at Maegashira 4; Aoiyama moves up to Komusubi after going 12-3 at Maegashira 7.

• Yokozuna Hakuholast basho 15-0
• Yokozuna Kakuryulast basho 10-5
• Ozeki Goeidolast basho Ozeki, 12-3
• Ozeki Takayasulast basho Ozeki, 10-5
• Ozeki Takakeisholast basho Sekiwake, 10-5
• Sekiwake Ichinojolast basho Maegashira 4, 14-1
• Komusubi Aoiyamalast basho Maegashira 7, 12-3

Making their makuuchi debut: Shimanoumi, Enho.

Returning to makuuchi: Chiyomaru, Tokushoryu.

• Maegashira 12 Shimanoumidebut
• Maegashira 13 Chiyomarureturning
• Maegashira 14 Tokushoryureturning
• Maegashira 14 Enhodebut

Hakuho tops the pre-basho ELO chart at 2832. On the numbers, these five headline the title race.

• Yokozuna HakuhoELO 2832
• Ozeki GoeidoELO 2684
• Ozeki TakakeishoELO 2659 ・ Forward Pusher
• Ozeki TakayasuELO 2630 ・ Pulling Pusher
• Sekiwake IchinojoELO 2608 ・ Belt Grinder

• Mitakeumi (Komusubi) vs Kakuryu (Yokozuna) →head-to-head: Kakuryu leads 8-6; the rating model gives Mitakeumi 40%
• Goeido (Ozeki) vs Hokutofuji (Maegashira 1) →head-to-head: Goeido leads 7-4; the rating model gives Goeido 75%
• Kotoshogiku (Maegashira 1) vs Takayasu (Ozeki) →head-to-head: Takayasu leads 16-12; the rating model gives Kotoshogiku 25%