ISML 2010: Taiga still waiting to be tamed through Topaz 4

ISML 2010: Taiga still waiting to be tamed through Topaz 4

April 19, 2010

Taiga Aisaka stayed at the top of the 2010 International Saimoe League Topaz phase after the midway point, Match Day 4.

"The job for this one's not done yet," Aisaka said after routing Rin Tosaka 3162-2229. "I have three big ones coming right up. So I understand that it's not done and dusted."

Staying in second on the Topaz and remaining undefeated overall was Hinagiku Katsura, who cruised to a 3083-2367 victory over Azusa Nakano. "I have to see if I will be facing Taiga, Mio [Akiyama], Shana or Mikoto [Misaka] in this phase but I can tell you those matches I will compete in will be key turning points," she said, sitting next to a tea-sipping Hayate Ayasaki. "without a doubt."

Misaka climbed to the top overall position in the ISML with a 3037-2280 win over Nadeko Sengoku. Akiyama was never troubled in her 3363-2063 landslide win over Holo, but she dropped a few places. Shana's sword was blazin' hot in her 3476-1977 torching of Konata Izumi.

Yuki Nagato and Saber also picked up key victories to stay in the hunt for the TOpaz. Nagato whipped past Yui Hirasawa 3026-2409 while Saber was never in any danger against Kurimu Sakurano in her 3171-2213 blowout win.

The SOS Brigade picked up a sweep on Sunday. Haruhi Suzumiya prevailed over Nagi Sanzen'in 2844-2540 while MIkuru Asahina added to Mihoko Fukuji's woes, 3821-1205. Also sweeping were the duo from Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha. Fate Testarossa scored a 2662-2490 victory over Kagami Hiiragi while Nanoha Takamachi completed the Hiiragi sweep 2749-2234.

In other ISML action...Illyasviel von Einzbern flattened Nodoka Haramura 3583-1288, C.C. still had in her 2668-2362 win over Konjiki no Yami (Golden Darkness), Chizuru Akaba chalked up a 2912-2052 decision over Ushio Okazaki, Kotomi Ichinose leftt Mei Sunohara heading for the exits 2810-1646, Nagisa Furukawa defeated Ruiko Saten 2843-2310, Isumi Saginomiya prevailed over Ikaros 2550-2362 and Minatsu Shiina annihilated Hanyuu Furude 3006-1816.

Ui Hirasawa scored an impressive 2558-2480 win over Ami Kawashima, Nymph got on the win column once again with a thrilling 2333-2318 victory over Rika Furude, Fuuko Ibuko left Ryou Fujibayashi seeing stars 2506-1884 and Minori Kushieda defeated Chiaki Minami 2574-2195.

Wrapping up action in the main draw...Maria scored a 2587-2438 win over Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere, Tomoyo Sakagami defeated Hitagi Senjougahara 2657-2486 and Kyou Fujibayashi outlasted Mafuyu Shiina 2590-2472.

In a special match for this match day, it was a surprising Touhou curtain call...with a surprising result. Alice Margatroid, who was not a participant in last season's ISML, defeated 2009 participant Marisa Kirisame handily 2410-1747.

"It's an honor to be competing, if only for an exhibition, in a tournament that saw my friends Reimu Hakurei, Marisa, Remilia Scarlet, Patchouli Knowledge and Aya Shameimaru take part last season," Margatroid said at a press conference, surrounded by her doll Shanghai, Marisa and all those who participated from Touhou, along with Meiling Hong, Flandre Scarlet, Suika Ibuki and Sakuya Izayoi.

"We, along with all the residents in Gensokyo, would like to thank the International Saimoe League for giving us the chance to show what we can do. Even though we did not perform well last year, the experience and memory of being in the ISML is good enough for all of us and it's something that we believe can never be taken away." Her remarks of gratitude were met with a standing ovation by those present.

Topaz Match Day 5 is scheduled for Tuesday, April 20. Vote for your favorite candidates and join the never-ending forum debates online at InternationalSaimoe.com.