Akiyama, Katsura, Nakano, Aisaka finish unbeaten
By JR Salazar (Bongaboi)
June 7, 2010
Shana, the flame haze that everybody is crazy for, because the first-ever ISML contestant to successfully defend her necklace—in this case the Sapphire.
"Guess this won't be leaving anytime soon," Shana said during her victory rally after disposing of Mikoto Misaka 2879-2565 and her 100th melon bread loaf.
Signs could be seen saying, "Everybody loves Shana!", "Fear...DA SHAX!", "It's a Shanapphire Necklace Sweep!", and the jocular but playful "Urusai, Onee-sama, Urusai!"
"I think we shut them [the Misaka camp up]," said Shana to Yuuji Sakai with a wink and a kiss. "This victory, as you all know, is dedicated to your enduring support. Next year, I predict it will stay with me. This is not the Sapphire necklace. It's now the Shanapphire necklace. Take note, congregation!"
The response was met with a standing ovation and a chorus of cheers.
Misaka was unavailable for comment.
There were four others who also picked up a clean sweep. Mio Akiyama buried Kyou Fujibayashi 3094-2265, defending champion Hinagiku Katsura picked up a 2830-2619 win over Yuki Nagato, Azusa Nakano wrapped up her perfect Sapphire necklace run with a 3217-2050 annihilation of Fate Testarossa and Taiga Aisaka edged Saber 2899-2430.
"It feels great to finish unbeaten for a change!" exclaimed a jubilant Nakano at a special rally inside the Sakuragaoka High School auditorium. "I owe this one to you, the fans, for your support, and to the members of this band, and to the class and Miss Sawako. You are the best! Thank you everyone!"
After the congratulatory remarks, Nakano sang "Jajauma Way To Go!" with Ui Hirasawa playing her trademark Fender and older sister Yui providing backup vocals. June Suzuki also provided a little conga percussion to the number.
Ui defeated Konjiki no Yami 2799-2263 while Yui fell to Haruhi Suzumiya 2759-2533.
"So far, so good," Akiyama said after her win. "I think I'm in a good position to qualify for the postseason. I look forward to taking on Hinagiku Katsura later on."
"Unbeaten for another necklace run and I am loving it," Katsura said at a press conference inside the Sanzen'in combine with Nagi Sanzen'in, Maria, Isumi Saginomiya and Hayate Ayasaki. "Shana put the pressure off me to make some history in defending my jewels. My turn won't be coming just yet, but will be pretty soon."
Katsura is the defending Ruby necklace champion. Sanzen'in prevailed over Rin Tosaka 2770-2430, Maria scored a thrilling 2555-2466 victory over Illyasviel von Einzbern and Saginomiya fell to Minatsu Shiina 2523-2290.
"Another unbeaten run, not bad," Aisaka said, tossing a Palmtop Tiger plushie around during a press conference. "I would love to contend for another one other than the Topaz I have in my hands right now."
For the first time in a while, no series with more than one character secured a sweep. Shana wasn't the only one among the one-character entry shows that ended their run on a winning note.
C.C. crushed Minori Kushieda 2971-2078, Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere torched Chiaki Minami 2807-1981 and Holo chomped up Mafuyu Shiina 2549-2431.
The special match was not even close, Kairi from Kingdom Hearts blasted Lyn from Fire Emblem 3080-634.
In other ISML action...Kagami Hiiragi bulldozed Kurimu Sakurano 2969-2114, Ikaros kept Hanyuu Furude winless with a 2592-1954 defeat, Nanoha Takamachi prevailed over Ami Kawashima 2543-2344, Hitagi Senjougahara pummeled Konata Izumi 2692-2386, Nagisa Furukawa mowed down Fuuko Ibuki 2809-1603 and Tsukasa Hiiragi slammed the door shot on Nodoka Haramura 3210-1314.
Wrapping up ISML Sapphire action...Chizuru Akaba rolled past Rika Furude 2808-1860, Tomoyo Sakagami sent Nadeko Sengoku sky high 2717-2301, Ruiko Saten bombed Ryou Fujibayashi 2626-2266, Ushio Okazaki picked up a 2438-2095 win over Nymph, Mei Sunohara kept Mihoko Fukuji's winless streak alive 3001-1326 and Mikuru Asahina handcuffed Kotomi Ichinose by the score of 2623-2327.
The 2010 International Saimoe League continues next week with the necklace that represents Mother Nature, the EMerald Necklace. This necklace will be up for grabs, since Suiseiseki—who would have been the defending holder—failed to qualify for the main draw.
ISML 2010 Emerald Match Day 1 is scheduled foer Sunday, June 13, 2010. Vote for your favorite candidates online at www.internationalsaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.
And as always, be sure to tune in to the Bedlam on Baltic Avenue and Bongaboi on deviantART for continuing coverage of the 2010 International Saimoe League.
OVERALL INTERNATIONAL SAIMOE LEAGUE STANDINGS
AFTER SAPPHIRE NECKLACE PHASE
As of June 7, 2010
1. Hinagiku Katsura (C)
2. Mio Akiyama (AQ)
3. Shana (SAP)
4. Mikoto Misaka
5. Taiga Aisaka (TOP)
6. Yuki Nagato (AM)
7. Tomoyo Sakagami
8. Azusa Nakano
9. Haruhi Suzumiya
10. Saber
11. Kyou Fujibayashi
12. Nadeko Sengoku
13. Hitagi Senjougahara
14. Nagi Sanzen'in
15. Yui Hirasawa
16. Kagami Hiiragi
(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
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