ISML 2010: Shana on pace to earn another necklace

ISML 2010: Shana on pace to earn another necklace


June 25, 2010

Shana is one win away from earning her second necklace of the 2010 International Saimoe League.

With a 2838-1583 crushing of Nagisa Furukawa in the Emerald phase, an emphatic win over Kyou Fujibayashi will give the Flame Haze her second necklace of her already-fantastic ISML campaign.

"I don't pay attention to the numbers," Shana said, eating her 125th loaf of melon bread. "What I will pay attention to is Kyou. She can pack a punch. But so can I, and I will be ready to take this one."

Fujibayashi defeated Fuuko Ibuki 2316-1337 in her contest. "This is going to be one of the biggest matches in my career. I hope to be the spoiler on Sunday."

Another big matchup involved Mikoto Misaka and Mio Akiyama. Akiyama is one of the two unbeatens in the tournament, along with defending ISML champion Hinagiku Katsura.

Akiyama defeated Chizuru Akaba easily, 2982-1418 while Misaka trounced Kotomi Ichinose 2610-1646. Akiyama will come into the contest as the favorite, but Misaka feels that she has a chance to deal K-ON!'s flagship character her first loss of the season.

"In this tournamernt, you don't know what to expect," Misaka said. "Expect more surprises along the way."

Yuki Nagato and Taiga Aisaka clash in another major match on Emerald 7. Nagato has more to gain from winning this contest, since she currently sits second on the Emerald table.

Nagato defeated Minatsu Shiina 2835-1537 while Aisaka sounded off Nanoha Takamachi 2751-1499.

Finally, Saber and Hinagiku Katsura will take on each other in a special Sunday sparring session. While neither may stand a chance at winning the Emerald, Hinagiku's unbeaten streak is at stake.

Saber slashed past Maria 2462-1778 while Katsura took out C.C. 2584.

By the end of Emerald phase, there will only be one winless contestant in the ISML. Both Hanyuu Furude and Mihoko Fukuji face each other on Sunday.

Furude fell to Nadeko Sengoku while Fukuji was walloped by Kagami Hiiragi 3041-896.

Bakemonogatari secured a sweep with Hitagi Senjougahara's 2287-1593 victory over Ikaros. Also picking up a sweep was the SOS Brigade. Haruhi Suzumiya whipped past Ui Hirasawa 2728-1598 while Mikuru Asahina easily flattened Ami Kawashima 2496-1622.

In the special match, Fatina from Tower of Druaga defeated Sayoko Arashiyama of Natsu no Arashi 1470-1237.

In other ISML action... Holo chomped up Ruiko Saten 2439-1625, Mafuyu Shiina stomped Nymph 2520-1267, Fate Testarossa demolished Chiaki Minami 2395-1473, Konata Izumi blew apart Mei Sunohara 2394-1633, Illyasviel von Einzbern prevailed over Isumi Saginomiya 2169-1865 and Rin Tosaka torched Ushio Okazaki 2473-1542.

Nagi Sanzen'in rolled past Nodoka Haramura 3221-774, Minori Kushieda picked up a 2170-1707 victory over Rika Furude, Azusa Nakano romped past Tsukasa Hiiragi 3121-1161, Yui Hirasawa rocked Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere 2646-1649 and Kurimu Sakurano scored an impressive 2047-1752 win over Konjiki no Yami (Golden Darkness).

The 2010 International Saimoe League Emerald phase wraps up on Sunday with Match Day 7. Vote online on your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com.