ISML 2013: Division Finals all set

ISML 2013: Division Finals all set

By JR Salazar
September 14, 2013

Match Day 3 of the 2013 International Saimoe League postseason took place on September 12, 2013. The Division Finals have now been set: in the Nova Division, Mashiro Shiina will take on Rikka Takanashi, while in the Stella Division, Ruri Gokou will take on defending champion Kanade Tachibana.

Shiina defeated Asuna Yuuki 5943-5224. Now there has been a backlash against Sakurasou for its use of Korean food in the show, and that caused Mashiro to not be as popular in Japan. True to 2channel's personal vendetta with Sakurasou, Yuuki won the vote in Japan and Korea. However, the world went a different route, and Shiina won every other region handily.

Takanashi is appreciated in both 2channel and ISML, however, and she edged Kuroyukihime 5720-5565 to advance to the Nova Final. Ironically, she also failed to win the vote in Japan, which went to Hime, who also earned a solid result in the Middle East. Big victories in Europe, Russia, Africa, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and the United States were more than enough to see Takanashi through.

The other two races were emphatic beatdowns in the Stella Division. Gokou thumped Eucliwood Hellscythe 7133-4666. Kuroneko won every region except for the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. Tachibana earned her revenge over Mikoto Misaka in the form of a 7030-5107 win. Tenshi, as she is known, earned big victories in North American, Europe, China, the Middle East, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. The Railgun's biggest victory? Latin America.

Six other exhibitions took place. Rika Shiguma took it to Saki Miyanaga in 2channel and is still alive in that tournament as of right now. Shiguma demolished Himawari Shinomiya 6111-2493. Heroine was third with 1803 votes. Leticia Draculair won her group exhibition over Ai Fuyuumi, 4448-3987. Leila Malkal was third with 2081 votes. Despite being eliminated by Noumi Kudryvaka in 2channel, Kana Minami's resonance is still prevalent in her 4323-3834 victory over Haruka Kotoura. Hamaji was third with 1537 votes.

Tsukiko Tsutsukakushi has yet to take part in 2channel and will do so in a few hours. She warmed herself up with a decisive 7646-2216 rout of Suzuha Amane. Amy was third with 1374 votes. Look for Tsukiko to be a lock to qualify in next year's ISML. Frenda Seivelun is not exactly what you would expect in someone worthy of flying the Index flag in ISML, but after her 6367-2618 demolition of Saki Rukino, fans will start to wonder. Yuuko Uchida was third with 1427 votes. Finally, be on the lookout next season for a certain yui Yuigahama, who defeated Ika-Musume, a perennial prelimary doormat, 5274-4172. Kotoha was third with 1241 votes.

Match Day 4 of the 2013 International Saimoe League postseason is scheduled for Sunday, September 15, 2013. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.