ISML 2010: Stage is set for showdowns in Phase II
February 24, 2010
The stage is now set for finals in Phase II of the 2010 International Saimoe League Preliminaries. The finals will consist mostly of potential returnees, with a few legit newcomers waiting to provide an upset or two.
Bracket A will see Kotomi Ichinose take on Ryou Fujibayashi in a clash of fellow CLANNAD girls. Ichinose rolled to a 2328-1237 victory over Ayu Tsukimiya. Fujibayashi, the younger sister of ISML returnee Kyou Fujibayashi, took down Shion Sonozaki 2166-1548.
A new challenger to the field of 50 will come from Bracket B. Hitagi Senjougahara advanced to the Bracket B final with a 2427-1389 win over Ritsu Tainaka, while Alice scored a close 1746-1543 victory over Shizuku Sango.
Bracket C will play host to a duel of Rie Tanaka-voiced competitors. Maria defeated Souseiseki 2368-1448 and will take on another Rozen Maiden Alice Doll in Suigintou. She scored a close 1873-1736 victory over Rena Ryuuguu.
Tsukasa Hiiragi is one step closer towards reuniting with older sister Kagami in the field of 50. She scored a decisive 2238-1454 trampling over Hayate Yagami. She takes Golden Darkness (Konjiki no Yami), who now is the key to To-Love-Ru's hopes after defeated Chii 2001-1623.
Nagisa Furukawa will take on Ikaros in Bracket E. Furukawa was never troubled in a 2621-996 lambasting of Kaede Mizuno. Ikaros, the co-franchise character from Sora no Otoshimono with Nymph, advanced to the final with a 1922-1621 victory over Ai Enma.
Another tantalizing match to watch will be Minori Kushieda vs. Ui Hirasawa in Bracket F. Kushieda is intent on joining the field of 50 with a 2240-1350 rout of Matsuri Shihou. Hirasawa, the younger sister of automatic qualifier Yui Hirasawa, took down Koromo Amae 2021-1583 to advance.
Nymph herself will be facing Fuuko Ibuki in Bracket G. Ibuki left Haruka Nogizaka seeing stars with a 2200-1438 whipping. Nymph advanced to the Bracket G final with a 1705-1548 decision over Mikan Yuuki.
Nanoha Takamachi will be clashing against Ayumu Nishizawa in the Bracket H final. Takamachi scored a comprehensive 2029-1414 win over Kobato Hanato. Nishizawa took down Makoto Sawatari 1983-1588.
In Bracket I, C.C. will face Sakuya Aizawa for an at-large berth. C.C., the flagship moekko from Code Geass, destroyed Izumi Segawa 2338-1489. Aizawa defeated Sakura Kinomoto 1933-1766 to advance to the final.
In Bracket J, Isumi Saginomoiya will take on Index Librorun Prohibitorum. Prohibitorum scored an unexpected 1767-1641 upset over Kuroko Shirai, while Isumi Saginomiya burned past Yuuko Amamiya 2160-1423.
Bracket K will see another returnee to the ISML. Suiseiseki scored a 1977-1564 victory over Yui Kotegawa, while Hanyuu Furude defeated Nayuki Minase 1845-1605. Expect this match, along with the Bracket C final, to be hotly contested.
In Bracket L, Chizuru Akaba moves one step closer towards joining the other three from the Hekiyoh Academy Student Council. Akaba wasted little time in routing Kazari Uiharu 2314-1298. Akaba will take on Yuuhi Katagiri, who prevailed over Mion Sonozaki 1726-1625.
In Bracket M, Shinku and Chiaki Minami will face each other for a spot in the field of 50. Shinku scored a 1934-1802 win over Tsumugi Kotobuki, while Minami whipped past Shiki Ryogi 1906-1531.
Finally, Illyasviel von Einzbern will clash with Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere in Bracket N for a spot in the ISML main draw. Von Einzbern defeated Sayuri Kurata easily, 2430-1213. De La Valliere was all business against Mai Kawasumi, winning 2033-1688.
Voting for Phase II of the 2010 International Saimoe League Preliminaries concludes on Thursday, February 25, 2010. Fans, you can vote for you favorite candidates online at InternationalSaimoe.com.
