ISML 2010: Could history be in the making for Shana?

ISML 2010: Could history be in the making for Shana?




June 4, 2010

Shana is one victory away from becoming the first contestant in International Saimoe League history to successfully defend her necklace. In this case, it's the Sapphire.

The Flame Haze-who already has wolfed down 82 loaves of melon bread-finished off C.C. 2751-1726. However, she faced Mikoto Misaka, who is hoping that her bad luck in Day 7's ends by ending Shana's defense.

Misaka electrocuted Nanoha Takamachi 2750-1511 to remain unbeaten.

"I understand that [Shana] will sacrifice her life to defend her Sapphire," Misaka said. "However, she has to get past me, and you that I will not make it easy on her.

"I may be seventh so far, but I will make sure that I put up a strong campaign. And we'll see what happens from there."

Another high-profile contest on Sapphire 7 is Yuki Nagato taking on Hinagiku Katsura. Nagato torched Chizuru Akaba 2880-1530 and Katsura, the defending ISML Champion, blew past Kotomi Ichinose 2736-1622.

"I look forward to the challenge," Katsura said during a conference at the Sanzen'in house, surrounded by Nagi Sanzen'in (a 2617-1446 victor over Ikaros), Maria, Isumi Saginomiya (who crushed RIka Furude 2249-1671), and butler swingman Hayate Ayasaki.

"As the bearer of the Tiara, you set a standard that you want to exceed when others want to take it away from you. I will make sure tat Yuki knows her place."

Nagato could not be reached for comment.

Mio Akiyama also remained unbeaten overall with a 3029-1477 trouncing of Maria. A strong victory over Kyou Fujibayashi could
giver Akiyama her second necklace, but it was far too easy for her to downplay the prospects.

"It's all about the W's, everyone," Akiyama said before retiring to her house to do [censored] with the other members of her band, Hokago Tea Time.

Among those from the band include Yui Hirasawa and Azusa Nakano. Nakano remained unbeaten in the Sapphire race with a 3134-1205 demolition of Mei Sunohara, and Hirasawa flattened Ushio Okazaki 2928-1343.

Nakano will wrap up her Sapphire run against Fate Testarossa.

"For me, it's an honor to still be unbeaten after six match days in a single necklace phase," Nakano said. "To take on Fate, the 2008 champion, is a distinct honor, and I want to do my best."

When asked about the possibility of the match having significant implications on the outcome of the Sapphire, Nakano had a fair but firm response.

"I can only control what I can control," she added. "[The outcome] is up to the voters alone to decide."

Also among the unbeatens heading into Sapphire 6 is Taiga Aisaka, who will be taking on Saber on Sunday. Aisaka romped past Minatsu Shiina 2700-1579.

The SOS Brigade picked up a sweep on Sapphire 6. Haruhi Suzumiya busted Nymph 3046-1213 and Mikuru Asahina lit up Fuuko Ibuki 2349-1811.

Bakemonogatari also picked up a clean sheet. Hitagi Senjougahara annihilated Chiaki Minami 2652-1344 and Nadeko Sengoku thumped Tsukasa Hiiragi 2542-1614.

In another Special Match that failed to have an impressive turnout due to unfamiliarity, Anna Kyoyama of Shaman King put the clamps down on Ruki Makino from Digimon Tamers 2191-800.

Rounding up the ISML action for Sapphire 6...Minori Kushieda defeated Ami Kawashima 2003-1749, Kurimu Sakurano prevailed over Ruiko Saten 2110-1902, Tomoyo Sakgami busted Ui Hirasawa 2534-1808, Testarossa scored an easy 2816-908 walkover of Mihoko Fukuji, Rin Tosaka kept Hanyuu Furude winless with a 2755-1333 hammering and Kyou Fujubayashi whipped past Illyasviel von Einzbern 2398-1826.

Mafuyu Shiina cruised past Nodoka Haramura 2873-874, Saber slashed past Nagisa Furukawa 2484-1817, Konata Izumi pounded Golden Darkness (Konjiki no Yami) 2333-1793, Holo chomped up Louise Francoise Le Blanc De LA Valliere 2325-1752 and Kagami Hiiragi routed Ryou Fujibayashi 2647-1478.

The 2010 International Sapphire Phase wraps up with Match Day 7 on Sunday, June 6, 2010. Vote for your favorite candidates on InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.