ISML 2010: Nagato leads Amethyst into final match day

ISML 2010: Nagato leads Amethyst into final match day


May 14, 2010

There will be four unbeatens in the 2010 International Saimoe League Amethyst necklace race. But there can only be one winner. Yuki Nagato is one win away from earning her second-ever ISML necklace. She defeated Nagisa Furukawa 2541-1855 to remain in first. A compelling victory over Saber will all about wrap it up....or will it?

Nagato doesn't think so. "Even though winning the match against Saber is possible, nothing should be left to chance when the margins are taken into consideration," she said. Saber defeated Chizuru Akaba 2561-1692.

Saber, also known by her real name Arthuria Pendragon, does not believe a victory over Nagato will seal the deal either. "The vote differential will be crucial, and I expect a very good turnout on Sunday," Saber said. "I think if Chelsea win the FA Cup tomorrow, I will have a good chance pulling off something historic."

The remark was meant to be a joke, but the possibilities were laid out by the top two on the table.

One of those with a excellent chance to benefit from a poor vote differential is Shana. After a 3040-1425 bulldozing with Maria, she believes that a win against Mio Akiyama will turn the tables on Nagato and Saber.

"Forget about those two roughing it out; the chance to destroy Mio on Sunday is too hard to pass up," Shana said, muching on her 41st loaf of melon bread during the tournament. "You always look forward to career-defining matches like this. I will relish the challenge."

"Shana is as accomplished as they go in the ISML," Akiyama said after her 2925-1468 victory over Nanoha Takamachi. "However, new faces like myself do not fear veterans of her pedigree. I am 20 matches into the season without a defeat, and I want that to continue."

A third marquee matchup on the cards is the match between Taiga Aisaka and defending champion Hinagiku Katsura. Aisaka roared past Kotomi Ichinose 2704-1663 while Katsura turned Minatsu Shiina into katsu by the score of 2827-1425.

"I am very impressed with Taiga's progress this season," said Katsura at a press conference. "However, I do not believe she will be able to prevail against me. But what I will expect is a close contest.

"I am not going to expect to win the necklace if I do prevail, but a clean sheet will do for me."

"At last, I get a shot at proving my worth to the defending champion," Aisaka said after her victory over Ichinose. "Let's do this."

While both Mikoto Misaka and Kyou Fujibayashi are on the outside looking in, a clean sheet will be at stake on Saturday.

"I come into the contest with a burst of confidence that I will go unbeaten," Misaka said after her 2671-1726 win over C.C. "Whether or not it will be good enough for the necklace is up to the numbers to decide. I would rather go without a defeat than be a favorite to win it, only to fall at the last hurdle."

"Boy, this tournament just gets more interesting, doesn't it?" said Fujibayashi. "And you know something, everyone? I think I got my work cut out for me."

In the special match, Chichi defeated Flora Skybloom in a clear mismatch, 2710-354.

"It's not very often that I get an invitation to compete in a tournament like this," said Chichi at a press conference at the Kame House, surrounded by Bulma, Chichi's wife Son Goku, their children Son Gohan and Son Goten, Trunks, Master Roshi and his turtle, Vegeta, Piccolo, Krillin, Yamcha, Videl, Oolong, Tenshinhan, Chaotzu, Puar and and Android #18 at a press conference. "However, I would like to thank the ISML for showing everyone that Dragon Ball matters, even when the tournament is dominated by the Lucky Stars, Railguns, Haruhis, Clannads, Shanas and K-ON!s, of the world." The speech was met with a standing ovation.

Bakemonogatari got another sweep. Nadeko Sengoku crushed Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere 2440-1770 and Hitagi Senjougahara torched Nodoka Haramura 2916-913. The SOS Brigade also picked up a clean sheet. Haruhi Suzumiya rolled past Ryou Fujibayashi 2968-1318 and Mikuru Asahina toasted Rika Furude 2571-1572. Fate/Stay Night also picked up a clean sheet. Rin Tosaka thrashed Mei Sunohara 2626-1523 and Illyasviel von Einzbern ran roughshod on Minori Kushieda 2418-1807.

In other ISML action...Fuuko Ibuki edged Isumi Saginomiya 2109-264, Fate Testarossa crushed Ikaros 2404-1615, Yui Hirasawa took down Ruiko Saten 2803-1540, Nagi Sanzen'in scored a 3161-914 walkover against Mihoko Fukuji, Kagami Hiiragi squashed Nymph 2700-1394 and Azusa Nakano sliced and diced Hanyuu Furude 3048-1207.

Mafuyu Shiina prevailed against Ui Hirasawa 2252-1982, Holo chomped Golden Darkness (Konjiki no Yami) 2310-1687, Kurimu Sakurano picked up a 2331-1612 victory over Ushio OKazaki, Tomoyo Sakagami blasted Chiaki Minami 2738-1362 and Konata Izumi whipped past Tsukasa Hiiragi 2521-1249.

The final match day of the 2010 International Saimoe League Amethyst phase is scheduled for Sunday, May 16, 2010. Vote online for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com anmd join the debate!