Basho Preview ・ 場所前展望

Banzuke →
November (Kyushu) 2020Preview ・ opens Nov 8

Both yokozuna return — with the rank's dignity at stake

November (Kyushu) 2020 opens on November 8. Last basho, Hakuho sat out the entire tournament and Kakuryu sat out the entire tournament — neither yokozuna finished the tournament. Whether both can return from day one and restore the dignity of the rank is the defining question of this basho.

Banzuke Notes

Ozeki Takakeisho went a strong 12-3 last basho and belongs in the title conversation. Ozeki Asanoyama went 10-5 last basho and looks to build on it. Ozeki Shodai went won the title at 13-2 last basho and looks to build on it.

In the sanyaku ranks, Takanosho moves up to Sekiwake after going 10-5 at Maegashira 1; Terunofuji moves up to Komusubi after going 8-5-2 at Maegashira 1; Takayasu moves up to Komusubi after going 10-5 at Maegashira 6.

New Faces in Makuuchi

Making their makuuchi debut: Akua.

Returning to makuuchi: Chiyonokuni, Kotozakura, Kotoyuki, Chiyoshoma.

Title Contenders (Rating)

Hakuho tops the pre-basho ELO chart at 2720. On the numbers, these five headline the title race.

解説 ・ InsightHakuho's rating has slipped from 2832 to 2720 over the year — the chasers have an opening.

One caveat: Hakuho, Kakuryu are returning from a layoff — whether the numbers hold is an open question.

Day 1 Bouts to Watch