By JR Salazar (Bongaboi)
September 25, 2010
In a turnout that was remarkably lower than before, Azusa Nakano had no tears to shed after her 4017-3961 defeat to Shana in the fifth round of the 2010 International Saimoe League Losers' Bracket.
"I think I will look back at this tournament and say to myself, I finished better than the defending champion," the young guitarist said amidst applause at a rally. "To all my fans and to my friends on this stage, thank you for your continuing support. I am forever indebted to you. I hope that you will get behind Mio[ Akiyama]-sempai, because she is the one that will bring the crown back to Sakuragaoka next Friday if you get behind her. Every vote counts. Tell your friends, your neighbors, your friends of your neighbors and their friends to spread the word: Mio-sempai needs your help! Can you do that for me?"
"Yes, Azunyan!" the crowd roared.
"Okay. Thank you very much!" Nakano received a standing ovation that lasted 10 minutes.
"Azusa was one of the toughest opponents I had to put up with in the Tiara," Shana said while downing melon bread loaf No. 375 at the press conference. "She is an admirable opponent, and for this, she earns my every respect. As for me, I get a chance at payback, and I hope that I can get the job done because I know I have a shot against Mio if I get the job done on Sunday.
"I accredit my victory to the people of China and Taiwan for their support. The way I see it, they will be important regions to win and I personally feel that China could be the key to victory next Thursday."
China voted 57% in favor of Shana, and she also won in Indonesia (54.2%), Latin America (51.2%) and Eastern Europe (53%). Oceania was divided at 50-50, and Africa was Nakano's strongest region at 75%.
Shana will take on Mikoto Misaka in the sixth round/championship match of the losers' bracket.
Yuki Nagato will wrap up her ISML season in seventh place with her 4126-3728 victory over Haruhi Suzumiya.
"This was an enjoyable ISML," Nagato concluded at the press conference. "I had a great time competing with veterans and newcomers, and I look forward to next season." Suzumiya was unavailable for comment.
Nagato's strongest performance came in Japan with 67.3% of the vote. She also did well in Russia, with 63.6% of the vote, and South Korea (58.2%). Africa was Suzumiya's strongest, with 75% of the vote.
There were eight exhibitions on the house on Tiara Match Day 9.
In a clash of true tears rivals, Noe Isurugi defeated Hiromi Yuasa 4082-3454. Isurugi won every region with the exception of Africa (voting 75% for Yuasa) and Thailand (which voted 52.7% for Yuasa). Isurugi's strongest performance came in two places: Latin America and Russia. Both voted 58.8% in favor of Isurugi.
A clash of the Suminoe sisters from Kissxsis saw Riko dominate Ako 4838-2758. It was a clean sweep, with Riko's best performance in Indonesia, which voted 77% for the younger of the Suminoe twins.
The rivalries continues with a clash of Amagami SS bookends. Haruka Morishima thumped Kaoru Tanamachi 5813-1871. Morishima won every region with the exception of Russia, which voted 50.7% in favor of Tanamachi and Africa, which was split at 50-50. Morishima's best performance came in Thailand, which voted 84.7% in favor of her.
In a battle of celebrated vixens of the old school, Ghost in the Shell's Motoko Kusanagi prevailed over Faye Valentine from Cowboy Bebop by the scoreline of 3634-2520. The only regions Valentine won were the USA with 50.9% of the vote and the Philippines with 61.2% of the vote. Africa was split 50-50. Kusanagi's strongest performance came in Thailand with 64.7% of the vote.
Kino's Journey is not the most compelling of shows to make a splash in the International Saimoe League, but then again, neither is Ouran High School Host Club. As a matter of fact, it was a bad day to be a Haruhi as Haruhi Fujioka got beaten badly by Kino 4546-2878. South Korea and Oceania were split 50-50. Fujioka was only able to carry the Philippines, with 50.7% of the vote. Kino's strongest performance came in Taiwan with 76.8% of the vote.
A clash of Suzuka rivals saw Honoka Sakurai roll past Suzuka Asahina 3839-3353. Japan was split 50-50 in this contest, and Asahina was only able to win Africa (66.7%), Eastern Europe (56.4%) and Russia (56.6%). Sakurai's strongest performance came in the Philippines, who voted 61.3% for her.
While Soul Eater has its legions of supporters, it will most likely be an afterthought in the International Saimoe League. That's because its greatest hope, Maka Albarn, got roughhoused by Youko of Inukami! by the sound of 4542-3041. Africa voted 100% in favor of Youko, and she also received strong performances in West Asia, Thailand, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan. Albarn was only able to carry South Korea (51.1%), Russia (51.9%), Latin America (50.9%), the Philippines (53.8%) and Indonesia (55.2%).
Finally, Tohru Honda, the flagship character from Fruits Basket, showed that she lost none of her class in her 4047-3604 victory over Belldandy. The lead character from Ah! My Goddess performed the strongest in Africa, with 66.7% of the vote, Honda did exceptionally will in Thailand and West Asia, with 71.8% and 70% of the vote, respectively.
The final week of the 2010 International Saimoe League dawns with the sixth round/championship match of the Tiara Losers' Bracket. Can Shana exact payback at the Railgun for her demise in the second round of the Winners' Bracket? Or will Mikoto Misaka get one final shot at Mio Akiyama?
Meanwhile, the final classification match will take place: a fifth place affair between former champion Hinagiku Katsura and Taiga Aisaka. Can Katsura end her season on a high note? Or will the Palmtop Tiger roar one last time for the fans that love her dearly?
Vote on Sunday, September 26 for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate! The emotions will run high in this one, so don't miss it!
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