ISML 2010: Another necklace for Shana

ISML 2010: Another necklace for Shana
Akiyama, Katsura remain undefeated overall, Nagato also big winner


By JR Salazar (Bongaboi)
June 28, 2010

In spite of Mio Akiyama and Hinagiku Katsura remaining unbeaten through five International Saimoe League necklace phases, Shana continues to make her point across that unbeaten records don't matter; winning those jewels do.

Not like the Flame Haze herself won't mind going on a gem bender, as she secured the 2010 ISML Emerald necklace with a 2894-1946 demolition of Kyou Fujibayashi.

"Just like clockwork," said Shana, wolfing down melon bread loaf number 130. "I think my fans will expect more of the same in the Ruby. As always, I salute them, and I thank every one here on this team, and well, nothing really needs to be said; bring on the Ruby!"

For Mikoto Misaka, the futility continued. She lost to Akiyama 2510-2348 in a contest plagued by prxy voting. The agony of falling short sent Accelerator of Academy City into a mental state of shock. "Not again," he moaned in disgust.

Misaka was unavailable for comment.

"Still unbeaten after five necklace periods," Akiyama said back at Sakuragaoka High School's music room. "I think I am in good stead to qualify for the Tiara."

As a matter of fact, all the girls from K-ON! wrapped up their Emerald runs with a win. Ui Hirasawa defeated Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere 2354-2235, Yui Hirasawa trounced Kagami Hiiragi 2463-2185 and Azusa Nakano clobbered Nagi Sanzen'in 2707-2124.

Katsura wrapped up her perfect Emerald campaign with a 2719-2036 triumph over Saber 2719-2036. "Nothing too difficult, I will say," Katsura said in a press conference at Hakuoh Academy. "This was a very good run, and even though I didn't get the necklace I think I am in a very good position to defend my crown."

Nagato wrapped up her clean sheet in the Emerald with a 2449-2324 defeat of Taiga Aisaka. "More of the same," she said. "I look forward to the Ruby with the same confidence and spirit I had in the Emerald."

The SOS Brigade picked up a sweep. Haruhi Suzumiya wrapped up her ISML Emerald run with a 2930-1708 walloping of Kurimu Sakurano and Mikuru Asahina edged Minatsu Shiina 2394-2100.

In a battle of the Bakemonogatari rivals, Nadeko Sengoku defeated Hitagi Senjougahara 2035-2011. A pillow fight of the winless saw Mihoko Fukuji look set to be the odd girl out as she lost to Hanyuu Furude 2374-1387.

And in the special match, it was not even close. Rebecca Miyamoto defeated Noriko Nijou easily 1999-1063.

In other ISML Emerald action...Mei Sunohara scored a 2168-2129 thriller over Ikaros, Nanoha Takamachi defeated Minori Kushieda 2334-2126, Chizuru Akaba whipped past Fuuko Ibuki 2334-2043, Nagisa Furukawa routed Rika Furude 2691-1596 and Tsukasa Hiiragi barreled past Chiaki Minami 2287-1896.

Konjiki no Yami (Golden Darkness) crushed Nodoka Haramura 2816-1080, Kotomi Ichinose took out Isumi Saginomiya 2362-2059, Mafuyu Shiina wrapped up her Emerald run with an impressive 2359-2135 victory over Konata Izumi and Maria tore down Ami Kawashima 2690-1704.

Wrapping up ISML Emerald play...Ruiko Saten stormed past Nymph 2360-1803, Ryou Fujibayashi rolled past Ushio Okazaki 2023-1791, Tomoyo Sakagami upended Holo 2441-2060 and C.C. defeated Illyasviel von Einzbern 2466-2027.

The 2010 International Saimoe League rolls on with the Ruby necklace phase, representing fire, and the inner core of the Earth. Hinagiku Katsura is the defending champion here, but she will be tested. Match Day 1 is scheduled for American Independence Day, July 4, 2010.

Vote online on your favorite candidates and join the ongoing debate at InternationalSaimoe.com. And as always, be sure to follow up on the coverage of the 2010 International Saimoe League on the Bedlam on Baltic Avenue and on bongaboi.deviantart.com!

OVERALL INTERNATIONAL SAIMOE LEAGUE STANDINGS

AFTER EMERALD NECKLACE PHASE

As of June 28, 2010

1. Mio Akiyama (AQ)

2. Hinagiku Katsura (C)

3. Shana (SAP) (EM)

4. Yuki Nagato (AM)

5. Taiga Aisaka (TOP)

6. Mikoto Misaka

7. Tomoyo Sakagami

8. Azusa Nakano

9. Haruhi Suzumiya

10. Saber

11. Kyou Fujibayashi

12. Nadeko Sengoku

13. Yui Hirasawa

14. Fate Testarossa

15. Nagi Sanzen'in

16. Hitagi Senjougahara

(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