Takakeisho chases the rope at March (Haru) 2023

Yokozuna Terunofuji, who sat out the entire tournament last time, returns looking to make amends.

In the sanyaku ranks, Daieisho moves up to Komusubi after going 10-5 at Maegashira 1; Tobizaru moves up to Komusubi after going 8-7 at Maegashira 1.

• Yokozuna Terunofujilast basho 0-0-15
• Komusubi Daieisholast basho Maegashira 1, 10-5
• Komusubi Tobizarulast basho Maegashira 1, 8-7

After going 12-3 two basho ago, ozeki Takakeisho took the last one at 12-3. The standard is "back-to-back championships, or the equivalent" — stay at the front of the race here, and the rope becomes real. His pre-basho rating of 2676 sits at career-peak level — the numbers back the ability.

• Ozeki Takakeisholast basho 12-3 ・ champion ・ yokozuna bid

Making their makuuchi debut: Kinbozan, Bushozan, Hokuseiho.

Returning to makuuchi: Daishoho.

• Maegashira 13 Daishohoreturning
• Maegashira 14 Kinbozandebut
• Maegashira 14 Bushozandebut
• Maegashira 15 Hokuseihodebut

Takakeisho tops the pre-basho ELO chart at 2676. On the numbers, these five headline the title race.

• Ozeki TakakeishoELO 2676 ・ Forward Pusher
• Yokozuna TerunofujiELO 2625
• Sekiwake KirishimaELO 2612 ・ Thrower
• Sekiwake WakatakakageELO 2564 ・ Forward Pusher
• Komusubi KotozakuraELO 2552 ・ Forward Pusher

• Tobizaru (Komusubi) vs Takakeisho (Ozeki) →head-to-head: Tobizaru leads 7-6; the rating model gives Tobizaru 26%; Pulling Pusher vs Forward Pusher — style matchup is even
• Wakatakakage (Sekiwake) vs Tamawashi (Maegashira 1) →head-to-head: Wakatakakage leads 9-6; the rating model gives Wakatakakage 57%; Forward Pusher vs Forward Pusher — style matchup is even
• Shodai (Maegashira 1) vs Hoshoryu (Sekiwake) →head-to-head: Hoshoryu leads 11-6; the rating model gives Shodai 32%