Bedlam on Baltic Avenue: Feb 26, 2010

ISML 2010: Von Einzbern, Minami, Akaba qualify for the field of 50

ISML 2010: Von Einzbern, Minami, Akaba qualify for the field of 50

February 26, 2010

Phase II of the 2010 International Saimoe League wrapped up with new faces entering the fold and old veterans reuniting.

In Bracket A, Kotomi Ichinose returned to a third straight ISML with a 1826-1163 thumping of Ryou Fujibayashi.

"It is an honor to return to a tournament that I have been used to for quite some time," Ichinose said. "I look forward to doing well in the ISML."

In Bracket B, Hitagi Senjougahara cruised to an easy 1906-1209 victory over Alice to secure her spot in the field.

"Nagi Sanzen'in prevented me from going through the first time," Senjougahara said at a press conference following her victory. "When I face her, I plan to get payback.

"I love taking part in a tournament like this. I'm ready."

Maria was more than ready to take another go at it, with a 1892-1456 lambasting of Suigintou in Bracket C. "It never gets old," she said at the Sanzen'in Masion in Nerima. "I wanted to compete in this once again because I enjoy taking on the best. Let's see what happens in the Aquamarine."

Tsukasa Hiiragi will be united with her older sister Kagami. Hiiragi defeated Golden Darkness (Konjiki no Yami) 1725-1582 in the Bracket D final.

"I never thought I was going to be able to be in the ISMKL again," Tsukasa said at a press conference held at the Hiiragi shrine. "I hope to do well this year. This will be fun."

Nagisa Furukawa will be united with her daughter Ushio Okazaki after defeating Ikaros 1841-1421 in the Bracket E final.

"I am excited to be back in this tournament," furukawa said at a rally on the Hikarizaka High School athletic field. "I hope to give it my best shot for my family and for everyone here."

"Go Mama!" exclaimed Ushio, to the approval of the crowd.

Minori Kushieda will be returning the the tournament, completing the Toradora! trio. Kushieda scored a 1760-1494 victory over Ui Hirasawa in the Bracket F final.

"Ahhh, it feels super awesome to be competing for a necklace and a crown," Kushieda said. "I'm gonna leavew it all on the line this year."

Fuuko Ibuki scored a 1800-1424 win over Nymph in Bracket G to qualify for another ISML regular season berth.

"Fuuko wants to impress everybody this year and do better at this tournament," Ibuki said in her typical third-person style at her press conference. "Fuuko will not let you down. And Fuuko thanks you graciously for your support," she added, bowing while the others gave her a standing ovation.

What's an ISML without Nanoha Takamachi? The always-feared, always-respected White Devil will return to the ISML with a 1755-1417 victory over Ayumu Nishizawa.

"I was very impressed by the pedigree and record of the opponents I will be facing," Takamachi said at her press conference at the Time Space Administration Bureau headquarters. "This ISML campaign is sure to be my toughest yet, so let's see how I do."

The presumptive face of Code Geass, c.C., is back. In Bracket Ihe crushed Sakuya Aizawa 1999-1340 to qualify for the field of 50.

"I knew that I was facing two other potential preliminary qualifiers in the first phase," C.C. said at her press conference. "Those two already went through, and I have. So now what you will see is one of the toughest ISML draws ever witnessed."

Isumi Saginimoya defeated Index Librorum Prohibitorum 1722-1445 to advance in Bracket J. "This will be a challenging tournament," Saginomiya said. "But I am confident that I will do very well."

In Bracket K, Hanyuu Furude scored a thrilling 1575-1508 nailbiter over Suiseiseki to advance to the field of 50. "I can breathe a sigh of relief," Hanyuu said, who will rejoin her sister/kindred spirit Rika in the fold. "Now the real fun starts."

"I think it's safe to say," said Chizuru Akaba with Kurimu Sakurano, Minatsu Shiina and Mafuyu Shiina and Ken Sugisaki, "that the Hekiyou Academy Student Council is in the International Saimoe League!" Akaba struck a pose with the others at the victory rally in Sapporo.

Akaba crushed Yuuhi Katagiri 1871-1091 in the Bracket L final to advance.

In the Bracket M final, Chiaki Minami was able to advance to the International Saimoe League after being shafted by Kallen Kozuki (Stadtfeld) last season. Minami scored a 1611-1541 victory over Shinku.

"One word: REDEMPTION," said Chiaki at a press conference held at the Minami Family residence. "I had a bad taste in my mouth after losing to a candidate that had no business being in the tournament. I am ready to make the Minami Family proud."

Finally, Illyasviel von Einzbern took out Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La valliere 1755-1582 in Bracket N.

"Wow. Just...wow, I made it," Von Einzbern said on her win at Shirou Emiya's residence. "It feels nice to be in this tournament. I can't wait to get this party started!"

The final phase of the preliminaries, Phase II, is scheduled for February 28, March 2 and March 4. The regular season begins March 21 with the Aquamarine Period. Fans, you can vote on your favorite candidatesonline at InternationalSaimoe.com. Be sure to also follow the action online at bongaboi.deviantart.com and the Bedlam on Baltic Avenue (bedlamba.blogspot.com).