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.