ISML 2010: Akaba, Saginomiya, von Einzbern big winners in Phase II of Prelims
February 22, 2010
Phase II of the 2010 International Saimoe League Preliminaries saw more decisive victories and close thrillers as the race for the field of 50 intensified.
Nanoha Takamachi is touted to be the favorite to win Bracket H. She blew apart Momoko Touyoko 2028-747. Her biggest challenger is expected to be Ayumu Nishizawa, who ran roughshod over Felli Loss 1983-809. In other Bracket H action, Makoto Sawatari escaped with a 1430-1348 victory over Utau Hoshina while Kobato Hanato defeated Teletha Testarossa 1670-1052.
C.C., the favorite to qualify in Bracket I, scored an easy 2038-981 victory over Winry Rockbell. In other Bracket I action, Izumi Segawa trounced Kana Minami 1624-1194, Sakuya Aizawa routed Ange Ushiromiya 1856-1034 and Sakura Kinomoto pounded Yuno 1875-859.
In Bracket J, Isumi Saginomiya and Kuroko Shirai look slated to face each other for a spot in the main draw, each taking the next step. Saginomiya brushed aside Lambdadelta 2190-683 while Shirai crucified Natsuru Senou 1839-963. Also in Bracket J, Yuko Amamiya scored a 1378-1187 win over Shiori Misaka while Index Librorum Prohibitorum flattened Eri Sawachika 1675-1169.
Suiseiseki and Hanyuu Furude are on a collision course to duke it out for a spot via Bracket K. Suiseiseki had no problems against Niche in a 2055-563 jadewash, while Hanyuu sliced and diced Hina-Ichigo 1955-667. The Evangelion hopefuls never stood a chance. Yui Kotegawa prevailed over Rei Ayanami 1477-1298 while Nayuki Minase defeated Asuka Langley Shikinami 1564-1334.
Chizuru Akaba stands out as a clear contender to win Bracket L, routing Ranka Lee 2214-533. In other action from this bracket, Kazari Uihara edged Misuzu Kamio 1459-1434, Yuuhi Katagiri battered Hisa Takei 1622-922 and Mion Sonozaki left Lisa in the dust 1754-805.
Shinku cruised to a 1663-1084 win over Yoko Littner, but could be tested against Tsumugi Kotobuki, who scored a 1745-1124 victory over Misuzu Kusakabe. Also in this bracket, Shiki Ryogi defeated Akari Kirishima 1408-1147 and Chiaki Minami cruised, 1687-930, over Nagi.
Finally, action began in Bracket N, whose victors tonight have just as good a shot as the other to qualify. Illyasviel von Einzbern thrashed Akane Mishima 2186-677, Sayuri Kurata defeated Fredrica Bernkastel 1478-1208, Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere torched Yin 1873-1091 and Mai Kawasumi shredded Kotone Kirishima 1732-972.
Voting in the 2010 International Saimoe League Preliminaries, Phase II continues Tuesday, February 23. As always, fans can vote on the candidated at internationalsaimoe.com.
