ISML 2011: Azusa turns Sapphire on its head

ISML 2011: Azusa turns Sapphire on its head


By JR Salazar (Bongaboi)
July 2\0, 2011

One thing is for sure after this 2011 International Saimoe League Sapphire necklace phase is over: the fans might start to tire of Shana running the tables.

That's because the flame haze burned out against Azusa Nakano in a 4168-4110 defeat that puts Nakano and Ruri Gokou as favorites to win the Sapphire.

Gokou herself defeated Nagisa Furukawa 4813-3024 but will need some help to overcome one of the biggest victories in Nakano's 2011 ISML campaign.

Kanade Tachibana finished first in the overall standings after a 4620-3554 rout of Yuki Nagato. In second is Mikoto Misaka, who got some payback against defending ISML Champion Mio Akiyama to the tune of 4159-4026. Tachibana and Misaka, however, have already won necklace and are therefore ineligible for the necklace round.

Shana did finish high enough to qualify for the necklace round but could be hurt by her result against Nakano. Hinagiku Katsura has an outside shot of winning the Sapphire, but after a 3916-3806 victory over Eucliwood Hellscythe, she may not have enough voting power to overcome Nakano and Gokou.

Other ISML action went as follow...Kagami Hiiragi trashed Huang Lingyin 4518-3056, Taiga Aisaka roared past Konjiki no Yami 5173-2557, Holo chomped up Laura Bodewig 4201-2997, Saber slashed past Index L. Prohibitorum 4501-3275 and Kirino Kousaka trounced Konata Izumi 4379-3419.

Nagi Sanzen'in defeated Mikuru Asahina 3976-3759, Hitagi Senjougahara handcuffed Mato Kuroi 4215-3262, Haruhi Suzumiya dominated Ui Hirasawa 5441-2577, Kyou Fujibayashi buried Ayase Aragaki 4305-3265 and Mafuyu Shiina picked up a 3634-3329 victory over Sora Kasugano.

Last Order prevailed over Nymph 3721-3648, Yui stompd Rin Tosaka 4875-2852, Victorique de Blois was victorious over Fate Testarossa 4342-2858, Charlotte Dunois annihilated Houki Shinonono 4611-2029 and Yui Hirasawa rocked Seraphim 4883-2867.

Wrapping up an exciting day of ISML action...Tomoyo Sakagami defeated Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere 4089-3344, Yuri Nakamura gunned down Kuroko Shirai 4902-2907, C.C. cruised past Asami Iwasawa 4031-3536, Tsumugi Kotobuki drilled Shiina 4493-3084 and Nadeko Sengoku rolled over Haruna 4404-2987.

As the 2chan Anime Saimoe Tournament begins with the Anizone Best Moe Tournament soon to follow, the 2011 International Saimoe League Sapphire necklace phase concludes with Match Day 8 and the necklace round, scheduled for July 21, 2011. Vote for your favorite candidate at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.