BoBA 2009 ISML Predictions: Relegation Final, and Special Exhibitions

ISML 2009 Relegation Finals


ARENA 01: Chii [Hakurei Reimu]


ARENA 02: Evangeline McDowell [Index Prohibitorum]


ARENA 03: [Hakurei Reimu] Kamio Misuzu


ARENA 04: Index Prohibitorum [Misaka Mikoto]


ARENA 05: [Kamio Misuzu] Kurata Sayuri


ARENA 06: Katagiri Yūhi [Chii]


ARENA 07: [Kawasumi Mai] Minase Nayuki


ARENA 08: [Kurata Sayuri] Vita


ARENA 09: [Louise Vallière] Yagami Hayate


ARENA 10: Minase Nayuki [Louise Vallière]


ARENA 11: [Misaka Mikoto] Katagiri Yūhi


ARENA 12: [Tsukimiya Ayu] Evangeline McDowell


ARENA 13: Vita [Tsukimiya Ayu]


ARENA 14: Yagami Hayate [Kawasumi Mai]


Special Exhibitions


ARENA 15: Contestant 1A [Contestant 1B]


ARENA 16: [Contestant 2A] Contestant 2B


ARENA 17: [Contestant 3A] Contestant 3B


ARENA 18: [Contestant 4A] Contestant 4B


ARENA 19: [Contestant 5A] Contestant 5B


ARENA 20: Contestant 6A [Contestant 6B]

ISML 2010 At-Large Top 20



Similar to Mel Kiper's top recruits/draft on ESPN.com, I want to go ahead and select my top 20 selections that I believe should get a fair shot at qualifying for the 2010 International Saimoe League.


With the nomination phase not due to start for nearly two months, now's the time to consider who should get the nod to challenge Hinagiku Katsura and the rest of the field for the 2010 Tiara.


1. Mio Akiyama - K-ON!
If it weren't for a fluke vote against Kana Minami (who I am putting long odds, if any, to make next year's field) or a defeat to Yuki Nagato (whose leverage is starting to wither with the SOS Brigade), Akiyama is already in the field. I expect her to get taken in the early at-large rounds.



2. Saki Miyanaga - Saki
The franchise character, I believe, deserves a fair hearing. I am choosing her this high in the table because I am confident that she will surprise quite a few people with what she can do.



3. Ritsu Tainaka - K-ON!
Again, another character that should go through is the drummer for K-ON!/Hokago Tea Time. A versatile, bubble personality.



4. Rei Ayanami - Neon Genesis Evangelion
Now this is a question I must ask the congregation: why hasn't Evangelion's finest been given a shot in this tournament? Rei Ayanami's charm has never wavered through the years. If Sakura's longevity sees her returning for one more season, should Ayanami relish that as well?



5. Utau Hoshina - Shugo Chara!
Utau, Amu Hinamori's former rival, is a disciple of the WOW factor. Not only can she sing, but she can rock it when it comes to fighting. I like her chances of making the field here.



6. Tsumugi Kotobuki - K-ON!
It's not just the blonde hair and pickle-shaped eyebrows that make Mugi a strong character in K-ON!. There's her fetish for yuri, and that catch phrase "Dontakoi Dasu!" (It's all good!) Did I mention that the pastries and tea she caters are top-notch?



7. Hitagi Senjougahara - Bakemonogatari
This might just be Bakemonogatari's greatest hope. Hitagi Senjougahara's sharp wit, penchant for staplers (a tribute to her crab-like tendencies), and role as Koyomi Araragi's love interest will prove to be a boon for her.



8. Canaan - CANAAN
Chicks with guns don't usually get the nod (the ISML's preferred choice of weapon is the sword), but Canaan might be an exception to that rule.



9. Kurimu Sakurano - Seitokai no Ichizon
The student council presidents are worth their weight in gold. Sakurano is no exception to this rule. I see her sneaking in in the middle or later in the selection process.



10. Haruka Nogizaka - Haruha Nogizaka's Secret
No surprises here-Haruka deserves a shot at this tournament. You've got the look, but a vice for the good stuff on the side. That equals...qualification.



11. Misuzu Kusakabe - 11eyes
Here is another character that could be flying the flag for her respecting series by herself. When you can convey a weapon out of thin air (apologies Gilgamesh of Fate/Stay Night), you got yourself a possible candidate for qualifcation.



12. Eruruu - Utawarerumono
Dark horse candidate. But I bring Aruruu's older sister up on this list for defeating Haruhi and Yuki in the same round. So one would think that this would be the time that anoother face from Utawarerumono gets into the ISML.



13. Ai Haibara - Detective Conan-Case Closed
Haibara is a noteworthy selection on this list. Her top 16 finish in Korea leaves the door wide open for the possibilities.



14. Momoko Touyoko - Saki
Again, the Saki girls will want in to this tournament. This is a possible selection...


15. Kana Ikeda - Saki
...as will this one.



16. Komoe Tsukuyomi - To Aru Majutsu No Index
The little instructor with a penchant for lagers has a good chance of qualifying.



17. Minatsu Shiina - Seitokai no Ichizon
Tsundere. Twintails. Tsurime. Too many T's, not enough W's. Here a W for you: qualification to the big show. How's that?




18. Kobato Hanato - Kobato
While she will come nowhere close to the success fellow CLAMP girls C.C. and Sakura Kinomoto put in, Kobato could slip in through the last few rounds.




19. Kuroko Shirai - To Aru Majutsu No Index
Another yuri-holic could make her move here. While I personally won't expect her to go too far, she will nonetheless be a choice to be selected.




20. Beatrice - Umineko no Naku Koro Ni
Longshot to be selected, let alone get a .500 record or higher next year. But the Endless Golden Witch has the schtick to get picked. Ronove send help.