ISML 2010: Azusa stuns Saber, takes over top Sapphire spot

ISML 2010: Azusa stuns Saber, takes over top Sapphire spot


May 31, 2010

Azusa Nakano claimed the top spot in the 2010 International Saimoe League Sapphire phase with a 2645-2394 victory over Saber on Match Day 4.

Defending ISML champion Hinagiku Katsura and 2010 Aquamarine necklace winner Mio Akiyama also remained unbeaten overall. Katsura crushed Nadeko Sengoku 2750-1935 while Akiyama rolled past Kurimu Sakurano 3317-1552.

Among the other unbeatens in contention for the Sapphire were the usual suspects. Defending necklace holder Shana prevailed over Yui Hirasawa 2788-2144, Mikoto Misaka electrocuted Rin Tosaka 2773-1976, Yuki Nagato silenced Holo 2869-1935 and Taiga Aisaka thumped Konata Izumi 2838-1862.

Toradora! picked up a rare sweep on Sapphire 4. Ami Kawashima prevailed over Hymph 2398-1849 and Minori Kushieda walked all over Mihoko Fukuji 2994-1136.

The SOS Brigade also chalked up a sweep. Haruhi Suzumiya scored a 2525-2216 victory over Kyou Fujibayashi and Mikuru Asahina scored a 2469-990 walkover victory over Nodoka Haramura.

The special match for Sapphire 4 saw Koyomi Morishita of Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahō defeat Umio Monogatari's Kanon Miyamori 2273-1152.

In other ISML action...Illyasviel von Einzbern defeated Ryou Fujibayashi 2701-1849, Ui Hirasawa prevailed over Fuuko Ibuki 2521-2168, Mafuyu Shiina scored a 2281-2173 thriler over Fate Testarossa, Isumi Saginomiya whipped past Chiaki Minami 2349-1921 and C.C. kept Hanyuu Furude winless 2941-1519.

Tomoyo Sakagami got past Nagi Sanzen'in 2542-2239, Chizuru Akaba dusted off Konjiki no Yami (Golden Darkness) 2371-1888, Kagami Hiiragi squeaked past Hitagi Senjougahara 2357-2293 and Minatsu Shiina crushed Tsukasa Hiiragi 2518-1944.

Maria leveled Ushio Okazaki 2744-1751, Kotomi Ichinose took out Ruiko Saten 2324-2167, Ikaros got on the win column with a 2300-1878 win over Rika Furude, Nanoha Takamachi blasted Mei Sunohara 2446-1822 and Nagisa Furukawa stomped Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere.

Match Day 5 of the 2010 International Saimoe League is scheduled for Tuesday, June 1, 2010. Vote for your favorite candidates and join the forum debate at InternationalSaimoe.com.

BoBA 2010 ISML Predictions: Sapphire Match Day 4

ARENA 01: [Saber] Nakano Azusa by <=600
Over/Under: 5300
Over

ARENA 02: Fujibayashi Ryō [Illyasviel von Einzbern] by >=600
Over/Under: 5600
Under

ARENA 03: [Hirasawa Ui] Ibuki Fūko by <=500
Over/Under: 5300
Under

ARENA 04: [Shiina Mafuyu] Fate Testarossa by >=700
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 05: Furude Hanyū [C.C.] by >=900
Over/Under; 5600
Under

ARENA 06: Sanzen'in Nagi [Sakagami Tomoyo] by >=850
Over/Under: 5200
Over

ARENA 07: [Asahina Mikuru] Haramura Nodoka by >=1800
Over/Under: 5000
Under

ARENA 08: [Akaba Chizuru] Konjiki no Yami by <=800
Over/Under: 4900
Under

ARENA 09: Hiiragi Kagami [Senjōgahara Hitagi] by >=750
Over/Under: 4800
Over

ARENA 10: [Maria] Okazaki Ushio by >=1000
Over/Under: 4800
Under

ARENA 11: Sengoku Nadeko [Katsura Hinagiku] by >=750
Over/Under: 4800
Over

ARENA 12: [Ikaros] Furude Rika by <=1000
Over/Under: 4500
Under

ARENA 13: [Furukawa Nagisa] Louise Vallière by <=800
Over/Under: 4600
Under

ARENA 14: [Kushieda Minori] Fukuji Mihoko by >=900
Over/Under: 5000
Under

ARENA 15: Fujibayashi Kyō [Suzumiya Haruhi] by >=900
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 16: [Misaka Mikoto] Tōsaka Rin by >=800
Over/Under: 5450
Over

ARENA 17: [Saginomiya Isumi] Minami Chiaki by <=900
Over/Under: 4500
Under

ARENA 18: [Kawashima Ami] Nymph by <=1000
Over/Under: 4600
Under

ARENA 19: Holo [Nagato Yuki] by >=1000
Over/Under; 5100
Under

ARENA 20: Hirasawa Yui [Shana] by <=1000
Over/Under: 5500
Over

ARENA 21: Sakurano Kurimu [Akiyama Mio] by >=1500
Over/Under: 4500
Over

ARENA 22: Shiina Minatsu [Hiiragi Tsukasa] by >=500
Over/Under: 5000
Under

ARENA 23: Saten Ruiko [Ichinose Kotomi] by >=550
Over/Under: 5200
Under

ARENA 24: [Aisaka Taiga] Izumi Konata by >=750
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 25: Sunohara Mei [Takamachi Nanoha] by >=1000
Over/Under: 4900
Under

Special Match:

ARENA 26: Miyamori Kanon [Morishita Koyomi] by >=300
Over/Under: 4000
Under

Lena Meyer-Landrut - Satellite

Lena Meyer-Landrut, originally uploaded by Daniel Kruczynski.

" went everywhere for you
I even did my hair for you
I bought new underwear, they're blue
And I wore 'em just the other day

Love, you know I'll fight for you
I left on the porch light for you
Whether you are sweet or cool
I'm gonna love you either way

Love, oh love, I gotta tell you how I feel about you
'Cause I, oh I, can't go a minute without your love
Like a satellite, I'm in orbit all the way around you
And I would fall out into the night
Can't go a minute without your love

Love, I got it bad for you
I saved the best I have for you
You sometimes make me sad and blue
Wouldn't have it any other way

Love, my aim is straight and true
Cupid's arrow is just for you
I even painted my toenails for you
I did it just the other day

Love, oh love, I gotta tell you how I feel about you
'Cause I, oh I, can't go a minute without your love
Like a satellite, I'm in orbit all the way around you
And I would fall out into the night
Can't go a minute without your...
Love, oh love, I gotta tell you how I feel about you
'Cause I, oh I, can't go a minute without your love

Where you go, I follow
You set the pace, we'll take it fast and slow
I'll follow in your way
You got me, you got me
A force more powerful than gravity
It's physics, there's no escape

Love, my aim is straight and true
Cupid's arrow is just for you
I even painted my toenails for you
I did it just the other day

Love, oh love, I gotta tell you how I feel about you
'Cause I, oh I, can't go a minute without your love
Like a satellite, I'm in orbit all the way around you
And I would fall out into the night
Can't go a minute without your...
Love, oh love, I gotta tell you how I feel about you
'Cause I, oh I, can't go a minute without your love...

Love, love, love, love, love!!!"

-Julie Frost & John Gordon

ISML 2010: Akiyama still leads Sapphire, but Katsura reclaims overall top spot

ISML 2010: Akiyama still leads Sapphire, but Katsura reclaims overall top spot

May 28, 2010

Mio Akiyama stayed first through three matches in the 2010 International Saimoe League, but Hinagiku Katsura took over the overall lead.

Akiyama defeated Mihoko Fukuji 3447-872 in a match that was never close. Katsura routed Nymph 3016-1204.

Among the shows gaining sweeps include To Aru Kagaku No Railgun. Ruiko Saten edged of Konjiki no Yami 1990-1973 and Mikoto Misaka electrocuted Ryou Fujibayashi 2919-1369.

Bakemonogatari also continued its consistency. Hitagi Senjougahara defeated Chizuru Akaba 2197-1832 and Nadeko Sengoku crushed Fuuko Ibuki 2416-1735.

Finally, Lucky Star earned a sweep on Thursday. Tsukasa Hiiragi stomped Hanyuu Furude 2282-1574, Kagami Hiiragi destroyed Nanoha Takamachi 2427-1716 and Konata Izumi scored a 2529-1537 victory over Rika Furude.

The special match for this day saw Mikan Yuuki slash down Kirino Chiba 2557-1090.

In other ISML action...Taiga Aisaka romped past Ui Hirasawa 2883-1562, Azusa Nakano pounded Illyasviel von Einzbern 2904-1566, Nagi Sanzen'in defeated Nagisa Furukawa 2315-1999, Saber slashed past Nodoka Haramura 3272-850 and Rin Tosaka thumped Ami Kawashima 2655-1448.

Tomoyo Sakagami upended Minatsu Shiina 2478-1649, Holo chomped up Mikuru Asahina 2161-2027, Yuki Nagato sliced and diced Chiaki Minami 3076-1176, Haruhi Suzumiya demolished C.C. 2425-1914, Fate Testarossa prevailed over Maria 2156-2005, Louise Francoise De La Valliere cruised past Ushio Okazaki 2221-1764, Kyou Fujibayashi defeated Mei Sunohara 2798-951 and Mafuyu Shiina defeated Kotomi Ichinose 2157-1900.

Match Day 4 of the 2010 International Saimoe League Sapphire phase is scheduled for Sunday May 30, 2010. Vote online and join the forum debate at InternationalSaimoe.com.

BoBA 2010 ISML Predictions: Sapphire Match Day 3

ARENA 01: [Aisaka Taiga] Hirasawa Ui by >=1300
Over/Under: 4900
Over

ARENA 02: [Izumi Konata] Furude Rika by >=1500
Over/Under: 4900
Under

ARENA 03: [Nakano Azusa] Illyasviel von Einzbern by <=1000
Over/Under: 4700
Over

ARENA 04: Furukawa Nagisa [Sanzen'in Nagi] by >=800
Over/Under: 4800
Over

ARENA 05: [Katsura Hinagiku] Nymph by >=1700
Over/Under: 5000
Under

ARENA 06: [Sengoku Nadeko] Ibuki Fūko by >=1100
Over/Under: 4500
Over

ARENA 07: Fujibayashi Ryō [Misaka Mikoto] by >=1500
Over/Under: 5100
Over

ARENA 08: [Saber] Haramura Nodoka by >=2000
Over/Under: 5000
Under

ARENA 09: Kawashima Ami [Tōsaka Rin] by >=1000
Over/Under: 4800
Under

ARENA 10: [Hirasawa Yui] Kushieda Minori by >=1200
Over/Under: 4900
Over

ARENA 11: Akaba Chizuru [Senjōgahara Hitagi] by >=1300
Over/Under: 4800
Under

ARENA 12: [Hiiragi Kagami] Takamachi Nanoha by >=1100
Over/Under: 4700
Over

ARENA 13: [Sakagami Tomoyo] Shiina Minatsu by >=1100
Over/Under: 4800
Under

ARENA 14: Furude Hanyū [Hiiragi Tsukasa] by <=800
Over/Under: 4200
Under

ARENA 15: [Shana] Ikaros by <=2000
Over/Under: 4000
Over

ARENA 16: [Saginomiya Isumi] Sakurano Kurimu by >=600
Over/Under: 4200
Under

ARENA 17: [Saten Ruiko] Konjiki no Yami by <=1000
Over/Under: 4800
Under

ARENA 18: [Akiyama Mio] Fukuji Mihoko by >=2500
Over/Under: 4500
Under

ARENA 19: Holo [Asahina Mikuru] by <=750
Over/Under:  4400
Over

ARENA 20: Minami Chiaki [Nagato Yuki] by >=1000
Over/Under: 4500
Over

ARENA 21: C.C. [Suzumiya Haruhi] by >=900
Over/Under: 5000
Under

ARENA 22: Okazaki Ushio [Louise Vallière] by >=1300
Over/Under: 4400
Under

ARENA 23: [Fate Testarossa] Maria by <=600
Over/Under: 4300
Over

ARENA 24: Sunohara Mei [Fujibayashi Kyō] by >=1500
Over/Under: 4800
Over

ARENA 25: Shiina Mafuyu [Ichinose Kotomi] by <=750
Over/Under: 4500
Under

Special Match
ARENA 26: Chiba Kirino [Yūki Mikan] by >=500
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ISML 2010: Mio Akiyama takes Sapphire lead

ISML 2010: Mio Akiyama takes Sapphire lead


May 27, 2010

Mio Akiyama took command of the 2010 International Saimoe League Sapphire necklace phase-and with it, the overall lead-with a 3234-1236 thumping over Ruiko Saten.

The defending necklace and Tiara champions also picked up wins.

Shana, who is the defending champion of the Sapphire, scored an easy 3121-1269 victory over Ushio Okazaki, while Hinagiku Katsura remained unbeaten with a 2965-1401 demolition of Tsukasa Hiiragi.

Not often do the Nanoha-TSAB faction earn a sweep while all the other shows with more than one character on board suffer at least one defeat. But that was the case Tuesday, as Nanoha Takamachi defeated Ikaros 2132-1725 and in a more even contest Fate Testarossa took down Mikuru Asahina 2205-2114.

One of the most riveting contests of Sapphire 2 was the match between Kyou Fujibayashi and Yui Hirasawa. Fujibayashi scored a 2230-2203 thriller of a win.

"I didn't know if I was going to be able to get the job done," Fujibayashi said after her match. "Everyone: if you haven't faced any of the K-ON! girls, be very wary of what they can do. Ui is the easy of all the four, but Yui is a toughie. Credit has to go up to her for putting up a good fight."

In the special match for Sapphire 2, Amu Hinamori prevailed over Koromo Amae 1915-1744, further adding to Saki's misery as one of the more overrated shows competing in the ISML.

In other action...Mikoto Misaka electrocuted Mei Sunohara 2969-1383, C.C. scored a 2901-1082 walkover win against Mihoko Fukuji, Tomoyo Sakagami bulldozed Rika Furude 2748-1324, Kagami Hiiragi stomped Illyasviel von Einzbern 2441-1927, Azusa Nakano romped past Nadeko Sengoku 2498-1846, Kotomi Ichinose clobbered Chiaki Minami 2404-1626 and Holo chomped up Kurimu Sakurano 2274-1816.

Mafuyu Shiina let all hell loose on Fuuko Ibuki 2636-1691, Nagi Sanzen'in scored an easy 2789-1453 victory over Minori Kushieda, Nagisa Furukawa let the dango loose on Ui Hirasawa 2429-1878, Hitagi Senjougahara pinched Isumi Saginomiya hard and often 2437-1699, Saber slashed past Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere 2713-1578 and Rin TOsaka squeaked past Konata Izumi 2189-2119.

Taiga Aisaka tore up Hanyuu Furude 3041-1221, Minatsu Shiina cruised past Nodoka Haramura 2763-954, Haruhi Suzumiya blasted Ami Kawashima 3018-1283, Maria routed Nymph 2511-1462, Yuki Nagato flattened Golden Darkness (Konjiki no Yami) 2893-1459 and Chizuru Akaba whipped past Ryou Fujjibayashi 2242-1764.

The 2010 International Saimoe League Sapphire phase rolls on. Match Day 3 is scheduled for today. As always, vote online for all your favorites at InternationalSaimoe.com and be sure to join the forum debate.

a little prick

a little prick, originally uploaded by mugley.

...what!?

BoBA ISML 2010 Predictions: Sapphire Match Day 2

ARENA 01: [Akiyama Mio] Saten Ruiko by >=1000
Over/Under: 5500
Over

ARENA 02: [Misaka Mikoto] Sunohara Mei by >=1300
Over/Under: 5700
Under

ARENA 03: Hiiragi Kagami [Illyasviel von Einzbern] by <=900
Over/Under: 5600
Under

ARENA 04: [Ichinose Kotomi] Minami Chiaki by >=750
Over/Under: 5000
Over

ARENA 05: Fate Testarossa [Asahina Mikuru] by <=850
Over/Under: 5100
Over

ARENA 06: [Sanzen'in Nagi] Kushieda Minori by <=900
Over/Under: 5300
Under

ARENA 07: [Furukawa Nagisa] Hirasawa Ui by <=5400
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 08: [Saber] Louise Vallière by <=1000
Over/Under: 5300
Under

ARENA 09: [Aisaka Taiga] Furude Hanyū by <=1450
Over/Under: 5900
Under

ARENA 10: [Suzumiya Haruhi] Kawashima Ami by >=1000
Over/Under: 5600
Over

ARENA 11: Fujibayashi Kyō [Hirasawa Yui] by <=750
Over/Under: 5100
Over

ARENA 12: Ikaros [Takamachi Nanoha] by >=600
Over/Under: 5000
Under

ARENA 13: Fujibayashi Ryō [Akaba Chizuru] by >=550
Over/Under: 5200
Under

ARENA 14: Fukuji Mihoko [C.C.] by >=950
Over/Under: 5400
Under

ARENA 15: [Sakagami Tomoyo] Furude Rika by >=850
Over/Under: 5500
Under

ARENA 16: [Nakano Azusa] Sengoku Nadeko by <=900
Over/Under: 5800
Over

ARENA 17: [Holo] Sakurano Kurimu by >=650
Over/Under: 5000
Under

ARENA 18: [Shiina Mafuyu] Ibuki Fūko by <=650
Over/Under: 5100
Under

ARENA 19: Okazaki Ushio [Shana] by >=1350
Over/Under: 5500
Over

ARENA 20: [Senjōgahara Hitagi] Saginomiya Isumi by <=750
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 21: [Izumi Konata] Tōsaka Rin by <=900
Over/Under: 5700
Under

ARENA 22: [Shiina Minatsu] Haramura Nodoka by >=1400
Over/Under: 4800
Over

ARENA 23: [Katsura Hinagiku] Hiiragi Tsukasa by >=1000
Over/Under: 5500
Under

ARENA 24: Nymph [Maria] by >=1000
Over/Under: 5100
Under

ARENA 25: Konjiki no Yami [Nagato Yuki] by >=750
Over/Under: 5100
Over

Special Match:
ARENA 26: Amae Koromo [Hinamori Amu] by <=900
Over/Under: 4500
Over

ISML 2010: Chiaki Minami takes early Sapphire lead, Hina first overall

ISML 2010: Chiaki Minami takes early Sapphire lead, Hina first overall


May 24, 2010

In the middle of close contest after close contest to start things off (perhaps due to proxy votes or disinterest0, the 2010 International Saimoe League Sapphire phase began with Chiaki Minami taking the reins early with a 2682-1235 victory over Nodoka Haramura. Meanwhile, Hinagiku Katsura jumped Mio Akiyama for first place overall with a 2968-1820 victory over Fate Testarossa.

Akiyama kept her clean sheet alive with a 3187-1792 annihilation of Mafuyu Shiina.

To Aru Kagaku No Railgun secured a rare sweep. Mikoto Misaka destroyed Hitagi Senjougahara 2700-2052 while Ruiko Saten edged out Fuuko Ibuki in a 2354-2324 thriller.

Also sweeping were the girls from Fate/Stay Night. Illyasviel von Enzbern took out Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere 2465-2224, \Rin Tosaka mowed down Kotomi Ichinose 2567-2072 and Saber took out Kagami Hiiragi 2543-2362.

In the special match: Sara Shirogane defeated Mika Kujiin in a matchup of relative unknowns 1778-1607.

In other ISML action...Horo chomped up Maria 2509-2281, Tsukasa Hiiragi outlasted Minori Kushieda, Yuki Nagato got the best of Haruhi Suzumiya 2578-2202, Ryou Fujibayashi pounded Nymph 2449-1914 and Kyou Fujibayashi whipped past Ui Hirasawa 2859-2025.

Azusa Nakano destroyed Minatsu Shiina 3174-1735, Chizuru Akaba edged Kurimu Sakurano 2095-1093, Nadeko Sengoku poisoned C.C. 2465-2224, Golden Darkness (Konjiki no Yami) defeated Ami Kawashima 2311-2128, Konata Izumi thumped Nanoha Takamachi 2552-2067 and Yui Hirasawa rocked Nagisa Furukawa 2626-2183.

Mikuru Asahina scored an easy 2863-1792 win over Mei Sunohara, Ikaros flew past Mihoko Fukuji 2657-1226, Taiga Aisaka roared past Nagi Sanzen'in 2735-2037, Shana rebounded from her demise in Amethyst 7 by torching Tomoyo Sakagami 2963-2042, Hanyuu Furude remained winless with a 2636-1798 defeat to Isumi Saginomiya and Ushio Okazaki scored a close 2143-2103 victory over Rika Furude.

The 2010 International Saimoe League Sapphire Match Day 2 is scheduled for Tuesday, May 24, 2010. Vote online on your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the debate.

BoBA 2010 ISML Predictions: Sapphire Match Day 1

ARENA 01: Holo [Maria] by <=750
Over/Under: 5500
Over

ARENA 02: Hiiragi Tsukasa [Kushieda Minori] by <=800
Over/Under: 5600
Under

ARENA 03: Ibuki Fūko [Saten Ruiko] by <=800
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 04: Suzumiya Haruhi [Nagato Yuki] by >=850
Over/Under: 5700
Over

ARENA 05: [Fujibayashi Ryō] Nymph by >=850
Over/Under: 6000
Under

ARENA 06: Hirasawa Ui [Fujibayashi Kyō] by >=1000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 07: [Katsura Hinagiku] Fate Testarossa by >=1200
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 08: Shiina Minatsu [Nakano Azusa] by >=1250
Over/Under: 6000
Under

ARENA 09: [Akaba Chizuru] Sakurano Kurimu by >=900
Over/Under: 5500
Under

ARENA 10: C.C. [Sengoku Nadeko] by >= 900
Over/Under: 5500
Over

ARENA 11: Senjōgahara Hitagi [Misaka Mikoto] by >=950
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 12: Kawashima Ami [Konjiki no Yami] by >=500
Over/Under: 5700
Under

ARENA 13: Takamachi Nanoha [Izumi Konata] by >=700
Over/Under: 5800
Under

ARENA 14: [Hirasawa Yui] Furukawa Nagisa by >=900
Over/Under: 5900
Over

ARENA 15: [Minami Chiaki] Haramura Nodoka by >=1500
Over/Under: 5500
Under

ARENA 16: Hiiragi Kagami [Saber] by >=750
Over/Under: 5900
Under

ARENA 17: [Tōsaka Rin] Ichinose Kotomi by <=1000
Over/Under: 6000
Under

ARENA 18: [Asahina Mikuru] Sunohara Mei by >=1000
Over/Under: 5900
Under

ARENA 19: [Akiyama Mio] Shiina Mafuyu by >=1000
Over/Under: 5900
Over

ARENA 20: [Ikaros] Fukuji Mihoko by >=1500
Over/Under: 5700
Under

ARENA 21: Sanzen'in Nagi [Aisaka Taiga] by >=850
Over/Under: 5800
Over

ARENA 22: [Illyasviel von Einzbern] Louise Vallière by <=1000
Over/Under: 5600
Over

ARENA 23: Sakagami Tomoyo [Shana] by >=950
Over/Under: 5500
Over

ARENA 24: [Saginomiya Isumi] Furude Hanyū by >=800
Over/Under: 5750
Under

ARENA 25: [Okazaki Ushio] Furude Rika by <=700
Over/Under: 5400
Under

Special Match:

ARENA 26: [Kujiin Mika] Shirogane Sara by <=600
Over/Under: 4800
Under

RWC chief foresees tourney's success in Japan

Rich Freeman / Daily Yomiuri Sportswriter

The Webb Ellis Cup was in Tokyo on Saturday as Japan became the 19th team to qualify for next year's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Twenty-three years to the day after John Kirwan scored a sensational individual try in the first-ever World Cup game--between New Zealand and Italy at Auckland's Eden Park--the trophy was accompanied by Kit McConnoll, the head of Rugby World Cup Ltd.

"It is important to have the World Cup in Japan today on the day an Asian team qualifies directly for Rugby World Cup 2011," McConnoll said.

"The Webb Ellis Cup is the iconic symbol of world rugby. It is the trophy players strive to win and fans recognize as the global symbol of our game."

The next 10 years, McConnoll explained, will be a very exciting time for rugby with World Cups set to be held in New Zealand, England and Japan, the Sevens World Cup in Russia in 2013 and the readmission of the sport to the Olympics in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.

And despite less-than-impressive gates at Top League and national team games, the New Zealander is confident the tournament in Japan in 2019 will be a success.

"We have a dedicated staff working towards delivering the World Cup to Japan and have a strong working relationship with the Japan Rugby Football Union," he said. "We have had some positive meetings about planning and promoting the game and installing a ticketing process so we have the same success as in Australia and France."

The recent decision by the International Rugby Board to reinstall traditional tours and bring Tier 1 nations to countries like Japan will, McConnoll believes, also ensure Japan will be a competitive host.

"There are more Tier 1 countries coming to Japan than any other country," the 37-year-old said.

While the JRFU has yet to make an official announcement, McConnoll said that Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Italy would be coming here in 2013, '16, '17 and '18, respectively--though the actual format of the tours had yet to be finalized.

"The games will provide strong competition for the national team and help promote the game to the public and are very important in terms of preparation for the Rugby World Cup," he said.

--Rich Freeman

(May. 23, 2010)

Japan routs Hong Kong to book World Cup berth

Rich Freeman / Daily Yomiuri Sportswriter

Japan became the 19th team to qualify for the 2011 Rugby World Cup after thrashing Hong Kong 94-5 at Tokyo's Chichibunomiya Stadium on Saturday.

The victory, which also sees Japan win the HSBC Asian Five Nations for the third straight year, means the Brave Blossoms will take their place in Pool A alongside New Zealand, France, Tonga and Canada.

"We've got two easy games to start so I am not worried about those," Japan coach John Kirwan joked of taking on the All Blacks and France.

"It's important we keep growing. I want to show the world how much we have improved and I hope we have the courage to play our style of rugby. I have never taken the field to lose a game and won't in New Zealand and I am sure the players feel the same."

As the Brave Blossoms proved on Saturday, when they do get their game going they are unstoppable--at least against Asian opposition.

"When we got out on the field I could feel they had never played at that pace," said Shaun Webb, who scored one of Japan's 14 tries and added three conversions. "The team picked up on it and our intensity was top-notch."

Webb said strong words from an unhappy Kirwan on Friday helped motivate the team.

"When JK left the room, the boys pulled in. We didn't want to give him a reason to shout at us after the game," he said.

Kirwan, meanwhile, admitted he was very happy with the team's performance, saying it was the best of the year.

"Today was all about our performance and keeping that level for 80 minutes," he said. "We played until the very end which is what we need to do at the World Cup."

Sadly, the very end also produced the one moment of controversy.

Goshi Tachikawa crossed three minutes after the hooter to put Japan a conversion away from its second straight 100-point haul.

But referee Harry Mason disallowed the try and then showed Tachikawa a red card, much to the anger of the crowd and the confusion and frustration of the players and coaches.

"One of the Hong Kong players came in late and twisted my arm," the fullback explained. "I raised my fist but didn't mean to hit him. It was an accident."

Kirwan was hopeful the red card would be sufficient punishment for Tachikawa, who apologized to the player after the game and presented him with his Japan jersey.

With Touetsu Taufa also getting a yellow card in time added on, the Brave Blossoms finished the game with 13 players.

It might have been a closer affair if they had started with that number.

Alisi Tupuailei crossed for the first of his three tries in the second minute and Japan's progression to New Zealand was assured 16 minutes later when Kosuke Endo brought up the bonus point Japan needed.

From there on, it was a-point-a-minute pace as Japan was simply too big, strong, fast and good.

"We came up against a superb Japan side," said Hong Kong coach Dai Rees. "They stand alone in Asian rugby."

Rees' miserable day was compounded when news came from Incheon that Kazakhstan had beaten South Korea 32-25.

The victory means Kazakhstan pipped Hong Kong for a place in the cross-continental playoffs for the 20th and final spot in New Zealand.

The Koreans will be relegated, with Sri Lanka taking their place in the top flight.

(May. 23, 2010)

Japan gets boost from IRB decision

Rich Freeman / Daily Yomiuri Sportswriter

Japan's hopes of breaking into rugby's elite got a boost Tuesday when the International Rugby Board announced that traditional tours would be returning to the international calendar.

The sport's governing body said in a press release that the IRB Council "approved a new global 10-year playing schedule that will shape the test landscape in the run up to Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan."

The highlights of the schedule, which commences in 2012, are the return of tours to the Pacific islands, North America and Japan and an integrated Tier 2 schedule.

The decision gives Japan the chance to take on quality teams it has rarely been able to play.

"A core component of the new schedule is an integrated test schedule for targeted Strategic Investment Unions, providing the platform for increased competition and growth through the delivery of more ranking tests between Tier 2 nations and matches against touring Tier 1 sides for the first time in several years, with tests in North America, Japan and the Pacific islands," the IRB said.

"Good stuff, that's fantastic," said Japan coach John Kirwan when told of the news.

Kirwan has, for some time, lamented his team's inability to get fixtures against countries ranked higher than Japan.

"Impossible," he said of recent attempts to get a test match against some of the established rugby nations.

"We need to be playing and beating the teams just above us in the rankings," he said. "That's the only way we can get better."

And he hopes the new schedule will only lead to bigger and better things.

"What the leading nations need to do now is take the next courageous step and set up a horizontal competition so you have promotion and relegation from the Six Nations and Quad Nations. That's the pathway to the money. Imagine if we won the Pacific Nations Cup and then had a playoff with Argentina.

"At the moment, countries like Japan, Georgia and Romania have no chance of having a go at the TV rights."

The last time Japan hosted a top 10 nation, outside the PNC, was in 2005 when Ireland played a two-test series in Osaka and Tokyo.

The last tour Japan hosted was in 2001 when Wales lost to Suntory and a Pacific Barbarians team before sweeping the two-test series.

In other rugby news:

--The All Blacks and the Wallabies will return to Hong Kong in October to play a Bledisloe Cup test, officials said Tuesday.

The two sides first played in the former British colony in 2008 before bringing the historic fixture to Tokyo in 2009. This year's match is set for Oct. 30.

(May. 19, 2010)

BoBA ISML 2010: Tiara Odds, May 17, 2010

BoBA ISML 2010 Tiara Odds
As of May 17, 2010, 9:34 PM PT


Mio Akiyama 1-5
Hinagiku Katsura EVEN
Mikoto Misaka 2-1
Shana 2-1
Yuki Nagato 3-1
Taiga Aisaka 3-1
Tomoyo Sakagami 4-1
Saber 4-1
Haruhi Suzumiya 4-1
Nadeko Sengoku 5-1
Azusa Nakano 5-1
Kyou Fujibayshi 6-1
Hitagi Senjougahara 6-1
Yui Hirasawa 13-2
Fate Testarossa 7-1
Nagi Sanzen'in 8-1
Rin Tosaka 10-1
Kagami Hiiragi 10-1
Illyasviel von Einzbern 10-1
Nagisa Furukawa 12-1
Mafuyu Shiina 15-1
Konata Izumi 15-1
Holo 15-1
Maria 17-1
C.C. 17-1
Mikuru Asahina 18-1
Minatsu Shiina 18-1
Chizuru Akaba 25-1
Nanoha Takamachi 25-1
Kurimu Sakurano 25-1
Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere 30-1
Kotomi Ichinose 30-1
Ui Hirasawa 35-1
Ruiko Saten 40-1
Konjiki No Yami (Golden Darkness) 45-1
Fuuko Ibuki 50-1
Isumi Saginomiya 50-1
Minori Kushieda 50-1
Ami Kawashima 75-1
Tsukasa Hiiragi 100-1
Ikaros 100-1
Nymph 100-1
Ryou Fujibayashi 100-1
Chiaki Minami 250-1
Ushio Okazaki 400-1
Mei Sunohara 600-1
Rika Furude 1000-1
Nodoka Haramura 2500-1
Hanyuu Furude 5000-1
Mihoko Fukuji 10000-1

ISML 2010: Top 16 After Amethyst 7

Here are your Top 16 in the running for the Tiara as of the end of Amethyst Match Day 7.

1. Mio Akiyama

Overall Record: 21-0-0

Points: 63

AMETHYST NECKLACE WINNER

2. Hinagiku Katsura (C)

DEFENDING ISML CHAMPION

Overall Record: 21-0-0

Points: 63

3. Mikoto Misaka

Overall Record: 20-0-1

Points: 60

4. Shana

Overall Record: 20-0-1

Points: 60

5. Yuki Nagato

Overall Record: 19-0-2

Points: 57

AMETHYST NECKLACE WINNER

6. Taiga Aisaka

Overall Record: 19-0-2

Points: 57

TOPAZ NECKLACE WINNER

7. Tomoyo Sakagami

Overall Record: 18-0-3

Points: 54

8. Saber

Overall Record: 18-0-3

Points: 54

9. Haruhi Suzumiya

Overall Record: 18-0-3

Points: 54

10. Nadeko Sengoku

Overall Record: 17-0-4

Points: 51

11. Azusa Nakano

Overall Record: 17-0-4

Points: 51

12. Kyou Fujibayashi

Overall Record: 16-0-5

Points: 48

13. Hitagi Senjougahara

Overall Record: 16-0-5

Points: 48

14. Yui Hirasawa

Overall Record: 16-0-5

Points: 48

15. Fate Testarossa

Overall Record: 15-0-6

Points: 45

16. Nagi Sanzen'in

Overall Record: 15-0-6

Points: 45

Records are listed as win-draw-loss.

ISML 2010: Overall Standings After Amethyst Necklace

Rank	Contestant Name	Pts	W	D	L	SoS	SDO	SAO	VD	VF	VA	Pt%	PB	+/-
1	Akiyama Mio	63	21	0	0	63	654	654	29468	68148	38680	100.00%	0	-
2	Katsura Hinagiku	63	21	0	0	63	648	648	29435	67025	37590	100.00%	0	-
3	Misaka Mikoto	60	20	0	1	60	591	654	25838	65495	39657	95.24%	3	▲1
4	Shana	60	20	0	1	60	558	621	32922	70427	37505	95.24%	3	▼1
5	Nagato Yuki	57	19	0	2	57	528	651	23823	65102	41279	90.48%	6	▲2
6	Aisaka Taiga	57	19	0	2	57	516	639	24231	64617	40386	90.48%	6	▼1
7	Sakagami Tomoyo	54	18	0	3	54	507	681	14229	57934	43705	85.71%	9	▲1
8	Saber	54	18	0	3	54	498	678	14148	59920	45772	85.71%	9	▼2
9	Suzumiya Haruhi	54	18	0	3	54	447	624	18720	62177	43457	85.71%	9	-
10	Sengoku Nadeko	51	17	0	4	51	456	690	9735	55798	46063	80.95%	12	-
11	Nakano Azusa	51	17	0	4	51	369	603	18445	61752	43307	80.95%	12	▲1
12	Fujibayashi Kyō	48	16	0	5	48	372	657	11310	56230	44920	76.19%	15	▼1
13	Senjōgahara Hitagi	48	16	0	5	48	372	657	8225	54906	46681	76.19%	15	-
14	Hirasawa Yui	48	16	0	5	48	366	639	11529	58284	46755	76.19%	15	▲1
15	Fate Testarossa	45	15	0	6	45	324	657	5619	53423	47804	71.43%	18	▲1
16	Sanzen'in Nagi	45	15	0	6	45	315	645	11278	57446	46168	71.43%	18	▼2
17	Tōsaka Rin	42	14	0	7	42	297	681	4160	53596	49436	66.67%	21	-
18	Hiiragi Kagami	42	14	0	7	42	264	642	8808	55674	46866	66.67%	21	-
19	Illyasviel von Einzbern	42	14	0	7	42	258	633	4577	53432	48855	66.67%	21	-
20	Furukawa Nagisa	39	13	0	8	39	240	645	6476	53219	46743	61.90%	24	▲2
21	Shiina Mafuyu	36	12	0	9	36	234	687	6669	53545	46876	57.14%	27	-
22	Izumi Konata	36	12	0	9	36	231	705	-907	50637	51544	57.14%	27	▼2
23	Holo	36	12	0	9	36	198	654	5559	53945	48386	57.14%	27	-
24	Maria	30	10	0	11	30	177	708	-3388	49264	52652	47.62%	33	▲1
25	C.C.	30	10	0	11	30	126	648	605	51741	51136	47.62%	33	▲1
26	Asahina Mikuru	30	10	0	11	30	123	651	2458	52938	50480	47.62%	33	▼2
27	Shiina Minatsu	30	10	0	11	30	108	624	956	50109	49153	47.62%	33	-
28	Akaba Chizuru	27	9	0	12	27	147	672	-2329	48505	50834	42.86%	36	▲2
29	Takamachi Nanoha	27	9	0	12	27	105	660	-5316	46765	52081	42.86%	36	▼1
30	Sakurano Kurimu	27	9	0	12	27	78	633	-204	49655	49859	42.86%	36	▼1
31	Louise Vallière	27	9	0	12	27	63	600	-1320	49435	50755	42.86%	36	-
32	Ichinose Kotomi	24	8	0	13	24	81	681	-1965	48721	50686	38.10%	39	-
33	Hirasawa Ui	24	8	0	13	24	48	597	-6471	47737	54208	38.10%	39	-
34	Saten Ruiko	21	7	0	14	21	39	672	-5693	47632	53325	33.33%	42	▲1
35	Konjiki no Yami	21	7	0	14	21	39	657	-6925	45397	52322	33.33%	42	▲2
36	Ibuki Fūko	18	6	0	15	18	48	663	-6967	45661	52628	28.57%	45	▼2
37	Saginomiya Isumi	18	6	0	15	18	42	654	-8819	45683	54502	28.57%	45	▼1
38	Kushieda Minori	18	6	0	15	18	27	699	-11972	44370	56342	28.57%	45	-
39	Kawashima Ami	15	5	0	16	15	27	672	-15820	42613	58433	23.81%	48	-
40	Hiiragi Tsukasa	9	3	0	18	9	24	648	-13529	43269	56798	14.29%	54	-
41	Ikaros	9	3	0	18	9	15	696	-12635	42817	55452	14.29%	54	▲1
42	Nymph	9	3	0	18	9	9	702	-21166	38467	59633	14.29%	54	▼1
43	Fujibayashi Ryō	9	3	0	18	9	6	654	-18377	39867	58244	14.29%	54	▲2
44	Minami Chiaki	6	2	0	19	6	6	672	-18723	39301	58024	9.52%	57	▼1
45	Okazaki Ushio	6	2	0	19	6	3	684	-18036	39976	58012	9.52%	57	▼1
46	Sunohara Mei	3	1	0	20	3	9	699	-18437	40540	58977	4.76%	60	-
47	Furude Rika	3	1	0	20	3	9	690	-19768	39657	59425	4.76%	60	-
48	Haramura Nodoka	3	1	0	20	3	0	687	-41734	26394	68128	4.76%	60	-
49	Furude Hanyū	0	0	0	21	0	0	717	-25085	36546	61631	0.00%	63	-
50	Fukuji Mihoko	0	0	0	21	0	0	690	-43637	25426	69063	0.00%	63	-

ISML 2010: Amethyst Final Tally

Rank Contestant Name Pts W D L SoS SDO SAO VD VF VA Pt% PB +/-
1 Nagato Yuki 21 7 0 0 21 81 81 7409 20699 13290 100.00% 0 -
2 Akiyama Mio 21 7 0 0 21 69 69 9649 21861 12212 100.00% 0 ▲3
3 Misaka Mikoto 21 7 0 0 21 63 63 9257 21373 12116 100.00% 0 ▲3
4 Katsura Hinagiku 21 7 0 0 21 57 57 8948 21204 12256 100.00% 0 ▲3
5 Saber 18 6 0 1 18 60 81 5019 19094 14075 85.71% 3 ▼3
6 Shana 18 6 0 1 18 57 78 9298 21901 12603 85.71% 3 ▼3
7 Aisaka Taiga 18 6 0 1 18 54 75 8103 20769 12666 85.71% 3 ▼3
8 Sengoku Nadeko 18 6 0 1 18 57 75 2744 17521 14777 85.71% 3 ▲1
9 Hirasawa Yui 18 6 0 1 18 54 75 4281 18868 14587 85.71% 3 ▲2
10 Suzumiya Haruhi 18 6 0 1 18 51 72 5470 19647 14177 85.71% 3 ▲3
11 Sakagami Tomoyo 18 6 0 1 18 48 66 5183 18480 13297 85.71% 3 ▼1
12 Fujibayashi Kyō 18 6 0 1 18 42 63 5077 18520 13443 85.71% 3 ▼4
13 Nakano Azusa 18 6 0 1 18 33 54 8559 21052 12493 85.71% 3 ▲1
14 Senjōgahara Hitagi 15 5 0 2 15 45 84 2666 17406 14740 71.43% 6 ▲1
15 Sanzen'in Nagi 15 5 0 2 15 30 69 4366 18599 14233 71.43% 6 ▼3
16 Fate Testarossa 15 5 0 2 15 30 66 1679 16884 15205 71.43% 6 ▲5
17 Maria 15 5 0 2 15 30 60 68 16202 16134 71.43% 6 ▲2
18 Holo 12 4 0 3 12 27 78 1054 16562 15508 57.14% 9 ▼1
19 Furukawa Nagisa 12 4 0 3 12 30 81 1362 16452 15090 57.14% 9 ▲4
20 Izumi Konata 12 4 0 3 12 27 84 737 16505 15768 57.14% 9 ▼4
21 Shiina Mafuyu 12 4 0 3 12 27 81 1222 16413 15191 57.14% 9 ▼3
22 Hiiragi Kagami 12 4 0 3 12 21 75 2342 17642 15300 57.14% 9 ▼2
23 Tōsaka Rin 12 4 0 3 12 18 75 1361 17106 15745 57.14% 9 ▼1
24 Illyasviel von Einzbern 12 4 0 3 12 15 69 835 16770 15935 57.14% 9 -
25 Shiina Minatsu 12 4 0 3 12 9 57 690 15838 15148 57.14% 9 ▲1
26 Akaba Chizuru 9 3 0 4 9 24 84 -1468 14718 16186 42.86% 12 ▲2
27 Ichinose Kotomi 9 3 0 4 9 12 78 -435 15281 15716 42.86% 12 ▲2
28 C.C. 9 3 0 4 9 9 75 1137 16825 15688 42.86% 12 ▲5
29 Sakurano Kurimu 9 3 0 4 9 9 75 -640 15379 16019 42.86% 12 ▼4
30 Hirasawa Ui 9 3 0 4 9 6 66 -280 16134 16414 42.86% 12 ▲6
31 Konjiki no Yami 9 3 0 4 9 6 60 -1438 14622 16060 42.86% 12 ▲1
32 Louise Vallière 9 3 0 4 9 3 66 762 16322 15560 42.86% 12 ▲5
33 Asahina Mikuru 9 3 0 4 9 0 60 1558 16959 15401 42.86% 12 ▼6
34 Kushieda Minori 6 2 0 5 6 6 81 -4072 13993 18065 28.57% 15 -
35 Ibuki Fūko 6 2 0 5 6 6 72 -1944 14321 16265 28.57% 15 ▼4
36 Saginomiya Isumi 6 2 0 5 6 6 72 -1591 14965 16556 28.57% 15 ▼6
37 Saten Ruiko 6 2 0 5 6 3 87 -2564 14869 17433 28.57% 15 ▲1
38 Takamachi Nanoha 6 2 0 5 6 0 81 -2312 14636 16948 28.57% 15 ▼3
39 Ikaros 6 2 0 5 6 0 57 -3286 13659 16945 28.57% 15 ▲3
40 Kawashima Ami 3 1 0 6 3 3 78 -6151 12996 19147 14.29% 18 ▼1
41 Fujibayashi Ryō 3 1 0 6 3 0 84 -8061 11465 19526 14.29% 18 ▲2
42 Nymph 3 1 0 6 3 0 84 -8228 11670 19898 14.29% 18 ▲2
43 Hiiragi Tsukasa 3 1 0 6 3 0 72 -5782 12924 18706 14.29% 18 ▼3
44 Haramura Nodoka 3 1 0 6 3 0 69 -12280 8564 20844 14.29% 18 ▼3
45 Furude Rika 0 0 0 7 0 0 90 -8476 11760 20236 0.00% 21 ▲1
46 Minami Chiaki 0 0 0 7 0 0 87 -7660 11618 19278 0.00% 21 ▼1
47 Okazaki Ushio 0 0 0 7 0 0 78 -5853 12789 18642 0.00% 21 ▲3
48 Sunohara Mei 0 0 0 7 0 0 78 -6698 12377 19075 0.00% 21 -
49 Furude Hanyū 0 0 0 7 0 0 78 -8801 10984 19785 0.00% 21 ▼2
50 Fukuji Mihoko 0 0 0 7 0 0 75 -12816 8210 21026 0.00% 21 ▼1

ISML: Nagato wraps up the Amethyst with a win, earns necklace

ISML: Nagato wraps up the Amethyst with a win, earns necklace
Akiyama, Katsura remain unbeaten overall; Misaka also earns a clean sheet


By JR Salazar (Bongaboi)
May 17, 2010


Winning necklaces has become old hat for Yuki Nagato all of a sudden. Fireworks went out into the night over Nishinomiya East Senior High as the news came out.

Nagato wrapped up her 2010 International Saimoe League Amethyst run with a 3263-2854 victory over Saber.

Flags were raised in victory during the rally inside the school auditorium, with messages such as "Yuki Is Love Again!", "The Brigade Is Not Dead!", "Yukiism", "She Is Back" and "We Love Yuki!". Banners that showed the SOS Brigade insignia and Yuki's shadow were waved in the air.

Nagato, dressed in a blue yukata performed a live version of "Yuki Is Love" and a cover of OneRepublic's "All the Right Moves" and "Apologize" followed by renditions of "Tomare!!" and "Hare Hare Yukai" with Haruhi Suzumiya, Mikuru Asahina, Kyon, Itsuki Koizumi and the Nishinomiya East Super Dance All-Stars.

Afterwards, Nagato spoke to her supporters, flanked by her four friends.

"Thank you everyone for the opportunity to don this Amethyst necklace," Nagato said. "This could not have been possible without your help. I thank Ms. Suzumiya, Kyon, Mr. Koizumi and Ms. Asahina for their help and support as well.

"But this necklace is dedicated to you, the voters, the supporters. You are the reason why I am here today celebrating with you. I hope to continue to make you happy and do my best in this year's International Saimoe League. Thank you everyone!"

"Let's give it up for Yuki Nagato!" Haruhi said after immediately taking the microphone. The crowd rose to its feet for a 10-minute standing ovation. Tears and a wide smile could be seen from Nagato's face.

"I think I put up a valiant fight," Saber said after her match. "But I don't think Yuki Nagato was going to be denied her necklace tonight. She was too strong, and I congratulate her for her performance tonight. Yuki is one helluva fighter."

Mio Akiyama and defending ISML championsHinagiku Katsura remain the only overall unbeatens in the tournament. Akiyama scored her biggest victory of her career, a 3179-3021 win over Shana. Katsura defeated Taiga Aisaka 3100-2845 to stay unbeaten.

"I did not expect to win the necklace but I did expect Shana to give me all I could handle," Akiyama said after the contest. "I think I am on track to qualify for the Tiara at the rate things are going right now."

Shana was unavailable for comment.

"Not surprised by this result," Katsura said after the match during a press conference. "I'll take the clean sheet any old day. Congratulations to Yuki for garnering the necklace. I don't think I was going to make any inroads on the overall table to begin with."

Also unbeaten in the Amethyst was Mikoto Misaka, who electrocuted Kyou Fujibayashi 3336-2534.

"As I said," Misaka said in her post-match press conference in the lobby of the Tokiwadai Junior High girls' dormitory, "a clean sheet will suffice. That goal has been accomplished. Now it's off to the Sapphire stage."

K-ON! wrapped their Amethyst run with a clean sweep. Yui Hirasawa took out Nagi Sanzen'in 3163-2914, Ui Hirasawa bulldozed Tsukasa Hiiragi 3254-2339 and Azusa Nakano slashed past Kagami Hiiragi 3427-2527.

Bakemonogatari also claimed a sweep to wrap up the Amethyst. Nadeko Sengoku edged Mafuyu Shiina 2958-2522 and Hitagi Senjougahara got past Holo 2900-2671.

Ruiko Saten picked up a rare sweep for the girls of TO Aru Kagaku No Railgun with a 3723-1369 demolition of Mihoko Fukuji.

In the special match, Rin Tsume of Little Busters! busted Yumemi Hoshino 2665-1629.

In other ISML action, Ikaros took down Ishio Okazaki 2855-2519, Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere was all over Nodoka Haramura 3807-1455, Nagisa Furukawa prevailed over Mikuru Asahina 3013-2736, Minatsu Shiina chalked up a 3306-2117 win over Rika Furude and Ryou Fujibayashi scored a 2543-2289 victory over Mei Sunohara.

Haruhi Suzumiya thumped Rin Tosaka 3437-2546, Golden Darkness (Konjiki no Yami) easily won the Battle of the Blondes With Low Eyes over Chiaki Minami 3017-2101, Tomoyo Sakagami upended Konata Izumi 3145-2602, C.C. sliced and diced Ami Kawashima 3363-2286 and Illyasviel von Einzbern crushed Nanoha Takamachi 3100-2374.

Wrapping up ISML Amethyst action...Fate Testarossa outpaced Kurimu Sakurano 2949-2430, Maria rolled past Minori Kushieda 3166-2384, Chizuru Akaba whipped past Isumi Saginomiya in a back-to-back score of 2852-2582, Kotomi Ichinose trounced Fuuko Ibuki 2653-2263 and Nymph kept Hanyuu Furude winless 2634-2359.

The 2010 International saimoe League continues with the Sapphire necklace. Shana is the defending champion, but can she pull it off?

Match Day 1 is scheduled for Sunday, May 23, 2010. Vote online on InternationalSaimoe.com and join the debate. And as always, be sure to follow the action on bongaboi.deviantart.com and The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue (bedlamba.blogspot.com) for continuing coverage on the world's premier anime & manga character competition!

OVERALL INTERNATIONAL SAIMOE LEAGUE STANDINGS

AFTER AMETHYST NECKLACE PHASE

As of May 17, 2010

1. Mio Akiyama (AQ)

2. Hinagiku Katsura (C)

3. Mikoto Misaka

4. Shana

5. Yuki Nagato (AM)

6. Taiga Aisaka (TOP)

7. Tomoyo Sakagami

8. Saber

9. Haruhi Suzumiya

10. Nadeko Sengoku

11. Azusa Nakano

12. Kyou Fujibayashi

13. Hitagi Senjougahara

14. Yui Hirasawa

15. Fate Testarossa

16. Nagi Sanzen'in

(C) Defending ISML Champion

(AQ) ISML Aquamarine necklace winner

(TOP) ISML Topaz necklace winner

(AM) ISML Amethyst necklace winner

(SAP) ISML Sapphire necklace winner

(EME) ISML Emerald necklace winner

(RUB) ISML Ruby necklace winner

(DIA) ISML Diamond necklace winner

BoBA ISML 2010 Predictions: Amethyst Match Day 7

ARENA 01: Sanzen'in Nagi [Hirasawa Yui] by <=100

Over/Under: 5900

Under

ARENA 02: [Nagato Yuki] Saber >=750

Over/Under: 6000

Over

ARENA 03: [Ikaros] Okazaki Ushio by <=900

Over/Under: 5900

Under

ARENA 04: [Louise Vallière] Haramura Nodoka >=900

Over/Under: 5700

Under

ARENA 05: Furukawa Nagisa [Asahina Mikuru] by <=1000

Over/Under: 5900

Over

ARENA 06: [Shiina Minatsu] Furude Rika >=1000

Over/Under: 5800

Over

ARENA 07: Hiiragi Kagami [Nakano Azusa] by >=800

Over/Under: 5400

Over

ARENA 08: [Fujibayashi Ryō] Sunohara Mei by >=950

Over/Under: 5200

Over

ARENA 09: [Suzumiya Haruhi] Tōsaka Rin by <=1100

Over/Under: 6100

Under

ARENA 10: [Sengoku Nadeko] Shiina Mafuyu by <=1000

Over/Under: 5900

Over

ARENA 11: Minami Chiaki [Konjiki no Yami] by <=800

Over/Under: 5300

Under

ARENA 12: Izumi Konata [Sakagami Tomoyo] by >=1000

Over/Under: 5900

Over

ARENA 13: [Kawashima Ami] C.C. by >=1000

Over/Under: 6000

Under

ARENA 14: [Saten Ruiko] Fukuji Mihoko >=1300

Over/Under: 6000

Under

ARENA 15: [Akiyama Mio] Shana by <=1000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 16: [Katsura Hinagiku] Aisaka Taiga by <=800
Over/Under: 6000

Over

ARENA 17: [Hirasawa Ui] Hiiragi Tsukasa by >=1000

Over/Under: 5950

Under

ARENA 18: [Illyasviel von Einzbern] Takamachi Nanoha by >=700

Over/Under: 5700

Under

ARENA 19: Sakurano Kurimu [Fate Testarossa] by >=1000
Over/Under: 5800
Under

ARENA 20: [Misaka Mikoto] Fujibayashi Kyō by >=900

Over/Under: 6100

Over

ARENA 21: Holo [Senjōgahara Hitagi] by >=700

Over/Under: 5800

Under

ARENA 22: [Kushieda Minori] Maria by <=800

Over/Under: 575\0

Under

ARENA 23: Saginomiya Isumi [Akaba Chizuru] by <=850

Over/Under: 5500

Over

ARENA 24: [Ibuki Fūko] Ichinose Kotomi >=900

Over/Under: 5700

Under

ARENA 25: Nymph [Furude Hanyū] by <=500

Over/Under: 5100

Under

Special Match:
ARENA 26: [Natsume Rin] Hoshino Yumemi
Over/Under: 5500
Under