ISML 2009: Fate's defense lives on as SOS Brigade falters
October 10, 2009
It seems that those counting Fate Testarossa Harlaown out of the race for the 2009 International Saimoe League Tiara didn't really who the defending holder is.
The ace of the Time Space Administration Bureau, along with Bardiche Assault, laid a successful 1722-1133 assault on Suigintou at Point Sigma, located 2.45 light years away from Sirius (a.k.a. the Big Dog).
"We still have a long way to go," Harlaown said after the match, "but with every victory, I am making it known that I am not going to give up my crown easily. I go into the next round knowing I am still safe."
Point Rho is located 2.80 years from Sirius, and Tomoyo Sakagami went after Mikuru Asahina like a ravenous hound, 1792-1192.
"Obviously, I hate being placed in this side of the bracket," Sakagami said, "but at least I still have plenty of fight left in me. I look forward to the next match."
At Point Tau, located 2.10 years to Sirius, Taiga Aisaka defeated Rin Tosaka 1517-1378. This came on the heels of a razor-thin 1809-1806 victory over Kagami Hiiragi to win the 2009 Anizone Best Moe Tournament.
"Looks like today's my lucky day," said a beaming Aisaka. "I get a win here, I get a win there [in Korea], and I move on to the 2chan Semis. A three-for-one. No laurel-sitting for me, though; we got some more business to take care of. Nodoka [Haramura] shouldn't pose me any trouble down in Japan, but she won't be an easy opponent to dismiss."
Aisaka will be at a victory rally in Seoul today with her husband-to-be, Ryuji Takase and good friends/returning ISML participants Ami Kawashima and Minori Kushieda.
Hiiragi may not have won Korea, but she got consolation in a 1524-1387 victory over Haruhi Suzumiya at Point Upsilon, located 1.75 light years away from the Big Dog.
"It was a close contest in Korea, and our campaign gave it its best shot," Hiiragi said. "You can only control so much. I want to get my revenge at the Epiphaneia, but both of us know we still have work to do."
With Suzumiya and Asahina having lost steam, Yuki Nagato remains the only hope for the SOS Brigade in the quest for the Tiara.
In other action, a special exhibition in Madrid pitted Pandora Hearts's Alice against Shugo Chara's Utau Hoshina. The one-time rival and now good friend of Amu Hinamori won the contest, 1221-1107.
The ISML Relegation rounds also continued. Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere, who was eliminated by Haramura in the 2chan quarterfinals, defeated Mai Kawasumi 1514-1337 in Tokyo. Misuzu Kamio prevailed over Yuuhi Katagiri 1364-1226 in New York City, Mikoto Misaka shocked Sayuri Kurata 1544-1228, Ayu Tsukimiya took down Chii 1446-1296 in Cairo, Reimu Hakurei defeated Evangeline McDowell 1336-1175 in Moscow, Hayate Yagami defeated Index L. Prohibitorum 1337-1282 in London and Vita edged Nayuki Minase 1348-1327 in Sydney.
