The November banzuke has been released. The Crystal Ball was clear this time, especially for the top two thirds of the banzuke—my prediction had the first 26 ranks, from Y1e to M10e, exactly right. The only surprise here was seeing the name Yoshinofuji at M5e. I had to do a double-take before realizing that Kusano got a new shikona, which I haven’t seen announced anywhere prior to the release of the banzuke.

The prediction fell apart after that, starting with Kotoshoho at M10w. I had him two full ranks lower, for my biggest overall miss. Fujinokawa, whom I had at M10w, ended up at 12e, a rank-and-a-half lower. I was also off by one rank on Gonoyama, Oshoumi, and Chiyoshoma, who all ended up higher than in my guess, as well as Asakoryu, who is ranked lower. My other misses were by half a rank.

I feel good about the prediction overall, especially on a tricky banzuke. In particular, I guessed correctly that Takayasu would take the K1w slot over Hakuoho, that Wakamotoharu would be placed behind the two demoted Sekiwake, and that Ichiyamamoto would be the lucky rikishi filling the gap in the banzuke at M8e. I also correctly called the four exchanges between Makuuchi and Juryo, with Meisei just barely surviving and Chiyoshoma coming up at the expense of Hitoshi.

With the release of the rankings, we can start the two-week countdown to the Kyushu basho! London was fun, but I for one am more than ready for some (real) sumo.

UPDATE: Guess the Banzuke results have been announced, and yours truly is back to holding the #1 overall rank (which is based on predictions for the past 6 basho).