Saimoe 2007 Semifinal 1

Saimoe 2007 Semifinal 1

We now get to the penultimate rounds of this epic Saimoe 2007 competition. Upsets, voter fraud, and close finishes to go with early blowouts have been the main story of this competition. But now we wrap up the first of two semifinals.

The results are in.

100% precincts reporting

Rena Ryuuguu 1209









Nagi Sanzenin 1301

Nagi Sanzenin advances to the Saimoe 2007 Final

Analysis:

From this point on, this tournament is Nagi's to lose. She can claim the honor of defeating Shana, Konata Izumi, and now Rena Ryuuguu in succession. This is a quality moekko, and in spite of her shortcomings, a renaissance girl. She is a mangaka. An artist. A cosplayer. An experienced gamer. A devoted lover. A debutante. A wealthy, yet humble rich girl. Nagi is someone who can read between the lines so easily, and so quickly, that it's second nature for her.

Obviously the voters did not want an all-Higurashi final, but one would think that some Rena sympathizers would ride on Rika Furude's ticket as she faces Shinku. But, we have seen stranger things happen throughout this tournament, and the madness isn't over just yet. While conventional wisdom would make this tournament Nagi's to lose, conventional wisdom can also be seen as a lie and, perhaps a jinx.

One of Nagi's rivals and Saimoe 2007 participant, Hinagiku Katsura, who was eliminated in the second round, won the Korean version of the competition this year (there is also a Thai version, and other regional competitions similar to Saimoe). A victory in the November 3 final will make it a successful coup d'etat for Kenjiro Hata and the Hayate campaign.