ISML 2010: Chiaki Minami first after Topaz 1

ISML 2010: Chiaki Minami first after Topaz 1

April 13, 2010

The 2010 International Saimoe League Topaz phase began on Sunday, and Chiaki Minami took an early lead over the rest of the winners on Match Day 1 with a 2694-1181 walkover against Mihoko Fukuji.

"I believe the Japanese voters last year touted a show that no one cares about outside of Japan," Minami said after her match. "No one outside of Japan knows what Saki is, and I would believe that very few people outside the hardcore followers even play the game as seen on the show. As a result, the rest of the league (including myself) are making them know their place.

"I won't be surprised if one of them finishes winless, while the other goes 1-49."

The top four after Aquamarine 7 cruised to victories in a match day that saw a significant lower of voters, resulting in huge payouts for the under.

Defending champion Hinagiku Katsura continued the one-sided dominance over Nagi Sanzen'in with a 2987-1489 blowout victory. Shana, a longtime ISML favorite, had no problems against Haruhi Suzumiya, winning 2744-1974. Mio Akiyama was all business against Kagami Hiiragi, winning 2904-1793. Mikoto Misaka turned the lights out on Fate Testarossa with a 2722-1923 decision.

The defending necklace holder, Yuki Nagato, was going to be tested early against Tomoyo Sakagami. She prevailed, 2489-2214.

Mio's fellow representatives from Hokago Tea Time earned victories to make it a K-ON!! sweep. Ui Hirasawa took out Ryou Fujibayashi 2419-2020, Yui Hirasawa crushed Maria 2774-1920 and Azusa Nakano whipped past C.C. 2743-2009.

Another group making a successful sweep was the girls from Fate/Stay Night. Illyasviel von Einzbern defeated Ruiko Saten 2452-2136, Saber slashed past Mafuyu Shiina 2560-2111 and Rin Tosaka was never troubled in her 2508-1898 win over Nanoha Takamachi.

The Toradora! trio also claimed a sweep on Topaz 1.  Taiga Aisaka defeated Hitagi Senjougahara 2574-2126, Ami Kawashima took out Ushio Okazaki 2253-2057 and Minori Kushieda wiped out Hanyuu Furude 2441-1769.

In other ISML action...Mikuru Asahina defeated Tsukasa Hiiragi 2661-1828, Isumi Saginomiya prevailed over Mei Sunohara 2362-2045, Holo chomped over Chizuru Akaba 2487-2036, Golden Darkness (Konjiki no Yami) stomped Rika Furude 2438-1830 and Ikaros wiped out Nodoka Haramura 2669-1217.

Nadeko Sengoku sent the cobras out on Minatsu Shiina 2513-1828, Nagisa Furukawa prevailed over Kurimu Sakurano 2379-1996, Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere defeated Fuuko Ibuki 2288-2049 and Kyou Fujibayashi torched Nymph 2756-1576.

In the special match for Topaz 1, a closely contested battle between Hayate the Combat Butler's Athena Tennos and Seitokai no Ichizon's Lilicia Toudou saw Tennos victorious, 2148-1862.

The 2010 ISML rolls on with Topaz Match Day 2. Vote online for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com as our countdown to the tiara continues!