ISML 2019: Rin Tohsaka wins Topaz Necklace

ISML 2019: Rin Tohsaka wins Topaz Necklace
Riku Dola wins Topaz Pendant

By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
August 30, 2019

Listed as a 10-1 dark horse, Rin Tohsaka won the 2019 International Saimoe League Topaz Necklace, defeating longshot Sagiri Izumi 13380-12266, meaning that Izumi becomes the Challenger of Record for the Amethyst Period in the Female Division. Kurumi Tokisaki was third with 6611 votes, Mashiro Shiina was fourth with 4705 votes, Yukino Yukinoshita had 4207 votes to finish fifth, Schwi Dola had 3354 votes to finish sixth, Emilia was seventh with 2842 votes and Mai Sakurajima held up the rear with 2245 votes, putting her in grave danger of being the one character to make all the necklace rounds but not win a single one.

Schwi's brother Riku fared much better. A 40-1 longshot, he prevailed over 5-1 second choice Levi 10870-10105 to win the Topaz Pendant. Eugeo, a 50-1 choice, put up a surprisingly strong standing with 7267 votes to finish third. Sakuta Azusagawa once again outperformed his partner with 5601 votes to finish fourth. Archer was fifth with 4450 votes, Kiyotaka Ayanakouji turned out to be completely overrated with a dismal sixth place with with 3344 votes, Taki Tachibana was seventh with 2531 votes and Yuuta Togashi held up the read with 1586 votes.

Advancing to the Amethyst Period via wildcard in the Female Division were Ichigo (9574), Yui Hirasawa (9959), Ai Haibara (9656), Eriri Spencer Sawamura (9932), Nero Claudius (9610), Iroha Isshiki (10354), Nephren Ruq Insania (10385) and Rachel Gardner (9616). On the men's side, Ken Kaneki (8866), Erwin Smith (8366), Joutarou Kuujou (8036), Kousei Arima (8467), Neutrophil (8544), Lancer (8910), Sasuke Uchiha (8069) and Sakamoto (8076) advance.

Despite ISML veterans Shinobu Oshino (10970), Ram (11972), Aqua (11712) and Hitagi Senjougahara (11648) qualifying for the Spring seasonal tournament, neither is the favorite. That honor belongs to Fumino Furahashi, with 13079 votes to be the top vote getter. Other newcomers making their first appearance in the show via Spring seasonal include Mafuyu Kirisu (12417), Nezuko Kamado (12442) and Nanako Yukishiro (11574). Overall, the Spring tourney is a mix of old and new faces and should be worth keeping tabs on in the Amethyst Period.

Advancing in the Divine Circlet rounds are Nanami Aoyama (113556.4), Sakuta Matou (119155.7), Kumiko Oumae (121351.9) and Reina Kousaka (114437.7). Advancing in the Divine Crown rounds are Izayoi Sakamaki (94289.7), Mikaela Hyakuya (98607.9), Bell Cranel (92520.7) and Ryuunosuke Akasaka (98025). Oumae and Hyakuya are tipped by the Bedlam to win their respective tournaments.

Finally, a series of exhibitions took place to close out Match Day 4 of the 2019 International Saimoe League Topaz Period. Mishandra Fuma won tyhe closest race of the round, an 8370-8258 snoozer over Horou Torisumi, Tsukasa Hiiragi defeated Hime Haruno 9183-8550 in the first appearance for a Lucky Star participant in many years, Nino Nakano rolled past Rizu Ogata 10312-8991, Tsumugi Kotobuki eased past Ritsu Tainaka in a 9278-9012 K-ON classic and Lain Iwakura defeated Rakka 8517-8067.

Match Day 1 of the 2019 International Saimoe League Amethyst Period is scheduled for August 31, 2019. Vote for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate. And be sure to keep it on the Bedlam on Baltic Avenue for ongoing coverage of the world's premier anime character competition, the International Saimoe League.