ISML 2010: Akiyama now in command of ISML Ruby

ISML 2010: Akiyama now in command of ISML Ruby



July 16, 2010

Mio Akiyama can wrap up the 2010 International Saimoe League Ruby necklace with a strong performance on Sunday against Taiga Aisaka.

Akiyama, one of two overall unbeatens in the competition, dusted off Nagisa Furukawa 2514-1548.

Still, she kept her feet on the ground heading into Match Day 7. "In the calm before the storm, you always want to stay humble," Akiyama said after the victory. "Taiga is a very good opponent, and I would be doing a disservice to underestimate what she can do. Nonetheless, I know what I need to do, and I plan to finish this on the winning note."

"I think I may be running into a buzzsaw here," Aisaka said after her 2341-1620 victory over C.C. "This is no ordinary opponent I'm facing. I better be ready."

Nagi Sanzen'in, who disposed of Chiaki Minami 2679-1112, is essentially a sitting duck in this case. Even if she defeats Konata Izumi (the Bedlam has her as a favorite to win by at least 800 votes), strong results by Hinagiku Katsura and Akiyama will derail her chances of winning the Ruby. Izumi defeated Hanyuu Furude 2343-1244.

As for the defending champion and defending Ruby necklace holder, Katsura will need an emphatic victory over Shana and some help. She defeated Nanoha Takamachi 2611-1245 to remain unscathed through 41 league match days.

"Shana's not the easiest of opponents to overcome," Katsura said. "She already has won two necklaces and may be looking to take mine's next. [Or is that Mio?] It will be a pleasure to take her on."

"I may not be able to win a necklace this outing," Shana said, "but I have a shot to finish unbeaten. I look forward to the challenge on Sunday." Shana defeated Chizuru Akaba 2806-1214.

Another big money matchup to watch out for (even though it will not have any implications on the necklace) is Yuki Nagato vs. Kyou Fujibayashi. Nagato defeated Maria 2384-1592 while Fujibayashi routed Rika Furude 2428-1249.

Mikoto Misaka also has a huge opportunity to finish her Ruby run without a loss against Saber. She crushed Minatsu Shiina 2381-1426 on Ruby 6. Saber prevailed over Kotomi Ichinose 2285-1503.

Bakemonogatari picked up yet another sweep. Nadeko Sengoku rolled past Mei Sunohara 2278-1367 and Hitagi Senjougahara scored a 2552-894 walkover win over Mihoko Fukuji.

The SOS Brigade were also victorious. Haruhi Suzumiya blasted Ikaros 2617-1281 and Mikuru Asahina prevailed over Illyasviel von Einzbern 1949-1849.

In the special contest, Echo defeated Lafiel Abriel easily, 2279-460.

In other ISML action...

Kagami Hiiragi smashed Ui Hirasawa 2214-1718, Yui Hirasawa rocked Konjiki no Yami (Golden Darkness) 2514-1425, Holo chomped up Ushio Okazaki 2263-1417, Fuuko Ibuki whipped past Minori Kushieda 1954-1726 and Azusa Nakano annihilated Ruiko Saten 2744-1164.

Rin Tosaka bombed Tsukasa Hiiragi 2161-1562, Fate Testarossa mauled Nodoka Haramura 2482-814, Isumi Saginomiya defeated Ami Kawashima 2088-1574, Tomoyo Sakagami flattened Nymph 2484-1142, Mafuyu Shiina stomped Ryou Fujibayashi 2235-1388 and Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere scored an impressive 1842-1830 victory over Kurimu Sakurano.

Match Day 7 of the 2010 International Saimoe League Ruby phase is scheduled for Sunday, July 18, 2010. Vote online for your favorite candidate at InternationalSaimoe.com.