Leaders (9-2): M1e Aonishiki, M8w Ichiyamamoto, M14e Kusano, M15e Kotoshoho.

Chasers (8-3): Y1w Onosato, S1w Kirishima, K1w Takayasu, M4w Tamawashi, M10e Atamifuji, M16w Mitakeumi.

With Andy’s return, I don’t have to describe the bouts, as he’s already done his usual thorough and entertaining job. Takayasu fulfilled his role as a barrier, dropping Ichiyamamoto out of sole lead and into a group of four, all maegashira, including two very recent arrivals in the top division. As I expected, the schedulers are done messing around, and Ichiyamamoto will have to face the Yokozuna tomorrow, while rookie Kusano is pulled a long way up the torikumi and given his first-ever sanyaku matchup against Sekiwake Wakatakakage. Kotoshoho takes his turn against Takayasu, Aonishiki will have his first date with Tamawashi, Kirishima fights Ozeki Kotozakura (6-5), who needs two more wins to avoid kadoban, and Atamifuji and Mitakeumi face off for the opportunity to stay in the race. With none of the four leaders matched up head-to-head, we could end tomorrow with all of them still in the lead and two wins clear of all but one or two chasers, or with as many as nine men tied at 9-3. This is one of the more competitive, intriguing and exciting yusho races we’ve seen in a while, and I look forward to tracking it as it approaches its conclusion. In another day or two, I will also take my first look at the projected sanyaku turnover and the likely Makuuchi-Juryo exchanges.