2chan Anime Saimoe 2009 Semifinals Preview

So, with hours to go before the semis, I wil provide my preview of these 2chan Anime Saimoe 2009 crackers of clashes. You can vote on this by going to www.animesaimoe.org.

Strawberries? Or Oranges? Flat? Or Fat? Small? Or Big? Kendo? Or Mahjong? These are choice we as votes on 2chan must deal with. Never mind that we have to take into consideration who the survivors have defeated, which factions are making the push, and who does not have what it takes to win the crown.

Taiga Aisaka is someone that has already been at the top. In the Korea Anizone Best Moe tournament, she disposed of Kagami Hiiragi by a mere three votes to clinch her first championship. The Japanese bloc of voters supported Taiga in this instance, and they are looking to make her the first character since Suiseiseki to win the East Asian Double.

Nodoka Haramura, however, is a different case. Endowed to the point where her bust would make for a satisfying pillow for anybody, the mahjong superstar has made a habit of dismissing those with A-cups left and right. Case in point: her victory over Nagi Sanzen'in in the Group H final.

But Nodoka's charm outside of her bust may be a compelling reason to vote Haramura through. But with Taiga's Korea victory and continuing battles in the ISML, the push for the double continues.

Taiga Aisaka def. Nodoka Haramura by >100 votes
Over/Under: 1700
Over

Hello, hello, hello; we sure weren't expecting this. Or were we? It's the Captain vs. the Retard! No, that's not right. How about this: it's Hisa Takei's blonde uke b**** vs. Azunyan's Obsessed Master with the Gitah! No, no, that's not right either. A-ha! I got it. Excuse me while I clear my throat while continuing. Ahem.

Mihoko Fukuji vs. Yui Hirasawa is an intriguing match worth looking at. Hirasawa will come into this contest with seemingly meritorious victories over Hinagiku Katsura and Minori Kushieda, as well as a chance to get payback for Fukuji's win over Ritsu Tainaka in Round 3.

The bookies are looking at Fukuji at the underdog in this semi, and with good reason. Aside from her win over Tainaka, Fukuji's only big win came against Mikoto Misaka. Her win over Eruruu was a walk-over after the biggest threat in Yuki Nagato was stopped by the stalwart of Utawarerumono fame.

In a tournament like 2chan Anime Saimoe, one should never take their opponents lightly. But the outcome here should be predictable and expected. The lead guitarist from K-ON! will be in the final easily.

Yui Hirasawa def. Mihoko Fukuji by >100
Over/Under: 1750
Over

2chan Anime Saimoe 2009 Tournament Top 5-8

5. Koromo Amae

Round 1:
Koromo Amae 585
Izumi Segawa 583
Miyako 191
Noriko Nijou 65

Round 2:
Koromo Amae 689
Sakuya Aizawa 463
Erica Hartmann 151

Round 3:
Koromo Amae 792
Hanyuu Furude 566

Group D Final:
Koromo Amae 700
Amu Hinamori 440

Quarterfinals:
Yui Hirasawa 873
Koromo Amae 819

6. Isumi Saginomiya

Round 1:
Isumi Saginomiya 607
Haruka Minami 454
Kafuka Fuura 118
Tiffania Westwood 65

Round 2:
Isumi Saginomiya 607
Kana Minami 457
Perrine H. Clostermann 163

Round 3:
Isumi Saginomiya 475
Nagi 415

Group B Final:
Isumi Saginomiya 759
Kana Ikeda 737

Quarterfinals:
Taiga Aisaka 812
Isumi Saginomiya 736

7. Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere

Round 1:
Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere 413
Sae 218
Lunar Edomae 212
Chiharu Harukaze 83

Round 2:
Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere 664
Hisa Takei 633
Mio Sakamoto 162

Round 3:
Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere 784
Mion Sonozaki 559

Group C Final:
Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere 846
Momoko Touyoko 837

Quarterfinals:
Nodoka Haramura 910
Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere 716

8. Yuuki Kataoka

Round 1:
Yuuki Kataoka 521
Gertrud Barkhorn 253
Saki Tenjouin 118
Kaoru Akashi 73

Round 2:
Yuuki Kataoka 661
Mei Sunohara 485
Minato Nagase 129

Round 3:
Yuuki Kataoka 878
Utau Hoshina 384

Group A Final:
Yuuki Kataoka 734
Chiaki Minami 545

Quarterfinals:
Mihoko Fukuji 660
Yuuki Kataoka 613

2chan Anime Saimoe 2009 Tournament Top 9-16

9. Nagi Sanzenin

Round 1:
Nagi Sanzen'in 687
Sheryl Nome 207
Ai Haibara 187
Kozue Orihara 84


Round 2:
Nagi Sanzen'in 669
Rena Ryuuguu 430
Yumiko Christina Ichinose 86

Round 3:
Nagi Sanzen'in 889
Saki Miyanaga 770

Group H Final:
Nodoka Haramura 890
Nagi Sanzen'in 874

10. Momoko Touyoko

Round 1:
Momoko Touyoko 584
Tsumugi Kotobuki 414
Aruruu 152
Rebecca Miyamoto 116

Round 2:
Momoko Touyoko 675
Kotomi Ichinose 432
Megumi Kamigaki 48

Round 3:
Momoko Touyoko 770
Kyou Fujibayashi 657

Group C Final:
Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere 846
Momoko Touyoko 837

11. Minori Kushieda

Round 1:
Minori Kushieda 494
Kagome Ikaruga 238
Klan Klan 143
Miyo Takano 106

Round 2:
Minori Kushieda 494
Teru Miyanaga 209
Miyuki Takara 138

Round 3:
Miniri Kushieda 866
Ayumu Nishizawa 656

Group E Final:
Yui Hirasawa 838
Minori Kushieda 752

12. Kana Ikeda

Round 1:
Kana Ikeda 617
Karen Kozuki (Stadtfeld) 262
Kyouka Midarezaki 146
Yukari Sahashi 93

Round 2:
Kana Ikeda 591
Horo 454
Tsukasa Hiiragi 406

Round 3:
Kana Ikeda 713
Fuuko Ibuki 625

Group B Final:
Isumi Saginomiya 759
Kana Ikeda 737

13. Azusa Nakano

Round 1:
Azusa Nakano 611
Index L. Prohibitorum 584
Nia Teppelin 87
Kaori Kanzaki 75

Round 2:
Azusa Nakano 658
Kuroko Shirai 256
Mizore Shirayuki 110

Round 3:
Azusa Nakano 885
Nagisa Furukawa 723

Group F Final:
Taiga Aisaka 825
Azusa Nakano 711

14. Chiaki Minami

Round 1:
Chiaki Minami 386
Isara Gunther 206
Mei Isayama 141
Eriko Futami 97
Nagi Hirono 75


Round 2:
Chiaki Minami 583
Last Order 467
Yutaka Kobayakawa 271


Round 3:
Chiaki Minami 477
Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke 394


Group A Final:
Yuuki Kataoka 734
Chiaki Minami 545

15. Eruruu

Round 1:
Eruruu 362
Coopa 220
Misato Katsuragi 156
Abiru Kobushi 140

Round 2:
Eruruu 434
Haruhi Suzumiya 434
Kamyu 106

Round 3:
Eruruu 534
Yuki Nagato 397
Haruhi Suzumiya 149

Group G Final:
Mihoko Fukuji 770
Eruruu 441

16. Amu Hinamori

Round 1:
Amu Hinamori 588
Ui Hirasawa 491
Corticarte Apa Lagranges 141
Aisa Himegami 120

Round 2:
Amu Hinamori 336
Alicia Melchiott 338
Kanu Unchou 209

Round 3:
Amu Hinamori 655
Komoe Tsukuyomi 569

Group D Final
Koromo Amae 700
Amu Hinamori 440

Thoughts on the 2009 Anizone Best Moe Tournament in Korea

I was quite pleased with the turnout for the Korean vote. What impressed me was the staying power of a few shows, namely Lucky Star, Spice & Wolf, and-dare I say it-the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. There were voters who still like Yuki Nagato, who finished eighth overall in the tournament. I can suspect that the North American and European voters were solid in keeping these characters in it.

Kagami has to be a surprise. A lot of people were hoping for her to conquer Korea just like she conquered Japan last year (albeit she got help from her younger sister Tsukasa). She came painfully close to achieving this.

Taiga won the bulk of the European Union states and the Commonwealth countries that participated, Latvia, Brazil, Mexico, Vietnam, Malaysia and Japan. Kagami got the American vote, and also won Spain, Italy, Russia, Korea, China, Thailand, Greece, Chile, Taiwan, Finland, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia

Taiga Aisaka of Toradora! now has a chance to pull off what Suiseiseki was able to do in 2006: win both the Anizone and 2chan tournaments. A 1809-1806 victory got her the crown. That capped off a day where she also won her round in the ISML and her quarterfinal clash with Isumi Saginomiya. Taiga is a character poised to leave a legacy like Haruhi, Fate Testarossa, C.C., Nanoha Takamachi, Shana, Konata Izumi...Yo. If there was a Saimoe Hall of Fame, I'd put her in on the first ballot.

The tournament in Korea also gave rise to some new faces entering the ISML next season. Ui Hirasawa is considered to be the perfect opposite of her sloppy older sister Yui...and yet she made the quarterfinals. Azusa Nakano, the youngest member of the band "Hokago Tea Time" (as they are known at Sakuragaoka), rode on Sawako Yamanaka's cat ears and tail apparati to finish third in the tournament. That's pretty good.

Ushio Okazaki may have long odds to stay in the tournament next season, but it makes the point clear that Clannad's not gonna go anywhere anytime soon. Her fourth-place finish at this tournament means that the Key franchise will be a force to be reckoned with next year. Did I mention that the big five of Nagisa, Tomoyo, Kyou, Fuuko and Kotomi will be back too? Mother and child...in the ISML. Good lordy, it's a family affair.

Meanwhile in Japan, there will be someone finishing in the top three from Saki. Well, there has to be. This show has swept the land of the Rising Sun like you wouldn't believe. The likes Nodoka Haramura and Mihoko Fukuji will likely be up against Aisaka for the crown.

And these four will be going after each other next season, so treat the rest of the 2chan campaign as a sneak peek for what's to come. Oh yes, and Yui got the nod too to qualify. That also brings to mind this: Yui Hirasawa is still alive in the tournament as of this post. She defeated Koromo Amae 873-819 in the quarterfinals and will finish no worse than fourth. If I'm Fukuji, I would be wise to not underestimate this rising power from Sakuragaoka High.

Anizone 2009 Best Moe Tournament Top 16:

1. Taiga Aisaka
2. Kagami Hiiragi
3. Azusa Nakano
4. Ushio Okazaki
5. Hinagiku Katsura
6. Horo
7. Ui Hirasawa
8. Yuki Nagato
9. Ai Haibara
10. Sakura Kinomoto
11. Kyou Fujibayashi
12. C.C.
13. Haruhi Suzumiya
14. Ami Kawashima
15. Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere
16. Mion Sonozaki

BoBA 2009 ISML Predictions: Tiara Double Elimination Winner's Bracket Round 3 and 13-16th classification, ISML Relegation Round 5

ISML Tiara Double Elimination Winner's Bracket Round 3

ARENA 01: [Shana] Fujibayashi Kyō

ARENA 02: Katsura Hinagiku [Nagato Yuki]

ISML Tiara 13-16th Classification

ARENA 03: [Suiseiseki] Holo

ARENA 04: Shinku [Takamachi Nanoha]

ISML Relegation Round 5

ARENA 05: [Louise Vallière] Evangeline McDowell

ARENA 06: [Kamio Misuzu] Chii

ARENA 07: [Kawasumi Mai] Index Prohibitorum

ARENA 08: Misaka Mikoto [Vita]

ARENA 09: Tsukimiya Ayu [Minase Nayuki]

ARENA 10: [Hakurei Reimu] Yagami Hayate

ARENA 11: [Katagiri Yūhi] Kurata Sayuri

ARENA 12: Ayanami Rei [Miyanaga Saki]

ISML 2009: Fate's defense lives on as SOS Brigade falters

ISML 2009: Fate's defense lives on as SOS Brigade falters


October 10, 2009

It seems that those counting Fate Testarossa Harlaown out of the race for the 2009 International Saimoe League Tiara didn't really who the defending holder is.

The ace of the Time Space Administration Bureau, along with Bardiche Assault, laid a successful 1722-1133 assault on Suigintou at Point Sigma, located 2.45 light years away from Sirius (a.k.a. the Big Dog).

"We still have a long way to go," Harlaown said after the match, "but with every victory, I am making it known that I am not going to give up my crown easily. I go into the next round knowing I am still safe."

Point Rho is located 2.80 years from Sirius, and Tomoyo Sakagami went after Mikuru Asahina like a ravenous hound, 1792-1192.

"Obviously, I hate being placed in this side of the bracket," Sakagami said, "but at least I still have plenty of fight left in me. I look forward to the next match."

At Point Tau, located 2.10 years to Sirius, Taiga Aisaka defeated Rin Tosaka 1517-1378. This came on the heels of a razor-thin 1809-1806 victory over Kagami Hiiragi to win the 2009 Anizone Best Moe Tournament.

"Looks like today's my lucky day," said a beaming Aisaka. "I get a win here, I get a win there [in Korea], and I move on to the 2chan Semis. A three-for-one. No laurel-sitting for me, though; we got some more business to take care of. Nodoka [Haramura] shouldn't pose me any trouble down in Japan, but she won't be an easy opponent to dismiss."

Aisaka will be at a victory rally in Seoul today with her husband-to-be, Ryuji Takase and good friends/returning ISML participants Ami Kawashima and Minori Kushieda.

Hiiragi may not have won Korea, but she got consolation in a 1524-1387 victory over Haruhi Suzumiya at Point Upsilon, located 1.75 light years away from the Big Dog.

"It was a close contest in Korea, and our campaign gave it its best shot," Hiiragi said. "You can only control so much. I want to get my revenge at the Epiphaneia, but both of us know we still have work to do."

With Suzumiya and Asahina having lost steam, Yuki Nagato remains the only hope for the SOS Brigade in the quest for the Tiara.

In other action, a special exhibition in Madrid pitted Pandora Hearts's Alice against Shugo Chara's Utau Hoshina. The one-time rival and now good friend of Amu Hinamori won the contest, 1221-1107.

The ISML Relegation rounds also continued. Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere, who was eliminated by Haramura in the 2chan quarterfinals, defeated Mai Kawasumi 1514-1337 in Tokyo. Misuzu Kamio prevailed over Yuuhi Katagiri 1364-1226 in New York City, Mikoto Misaka shocked Sayuri Kurata 1544-1228, Ayu Tsukimiya took down Chii 1446-1296 in Cairo, Reimu Hakurei defeated Evangeline McDowell 1336-1175 in Moscow, Hayate Yagami defeated Index L. Prohibitorum 1337-1282 in London and Vita edged Nayuki Minase 1348-1327 in Sydney.

ISML 2009: Tiara Winner's Bracket Round 2 & Loser's Bracket Round 3

Shana def. Kyou Fujibayashi by >200
Over/Under: 3300
Over

Yuki Nagato def. Hinagiku Katsura by >100
Over/Under: 3100
Under

Tomoyo Sakagami def. Kagami Hiiragi by >100
Over/Under: 3000
Under

Taiga Aisaka def. Fate Testarossa Harlaown by >150
Over/Under: 3200
Over

BoBA 2009 ISML Predictions: Tiara Loser's Bracket Round 2, ISML Relegation Round 4 & Exhibition

Tiara Loser's Bracket Round 1

ARENA 01: Hiiragi Kagami [Suzumiya Haruhi]

ARENA 02: [Sakagami Tomoyo] Asahina Mikuru

ARENA 03: [Fate Testarossa] Suigintou

ARENA 04: Tōsaka Rin [Aisaka Taiga]

ISML Relegation Round 4

ARENA 05: Kawasumi Mai [Louise Vallière]

ARENA 06: [Kamio Misuzu] Katagiri Yūhi

ARENA 07: Kurata Sayuri [Misaka Mikoto]

ARENA 08: [Tsukimiya Ayu] Chii

ARENA 09: [Evangeline McDowell] Hakurei Reimu

ARENA 10: Index Prohibitorum [Yagami Hayate]

ARENA 11: [Minase Nayuki] Vita

Special Exhibition

ARENA 12: Alice [Hoshina Utau]

BoBA 2009 ISML Predictions: Loser's Bracket Round 2

Haruhi Suzumiya def. Kagami Hiiragi by >200
Over/Under: 3200
Over

Tomoyo Sakagami def. Mikuru Asahina by >250
Over/Under: 3100
Over

Fate Testarossa Harlaown def. Suigintou by >100
Over/Under: 3250
Under

Taiga Aisaka def. Rin Tosaka by >150
Over/Under: 3400
Over

ISML 2009: Every girl for herself in the Loser's Bracket

ISML 2009: Every girl for herself in the Loser's Bracket

October 6, 2009

In the Loser's Bracket of the 2009 International Saimoe League Tiara postseason phase, you cannot afford to lose again or you are out of the running. Every match is a must-win. It's every girl for herself.

No need to tell a few of the unfortunate fallen why Tuesday.

At Point Nu, located 4.20 light years to Sirius (a.k.a. "The Big Dog"), Kagami Hiiragi eliminated Horo easily, 1659-1317. The victory comes at the heels of her defeat of Clannad's Ushio Okazaki in Korea.

"In this part of the season," Hiiragi said at a press conference on Nu, "you want to win every match that comes your way. You never want to drop any of them. Taiga (Aisaka) is who I will face in Korea, and if I keep winning, I could be taking her on at the Epiphaneia Stadium on the 26th. It won't be easy, though. For starters, there is the issue of Haruhi (Suzumiya) to deal with."

Suzumiya will be taking on Hiiragi on October 8 at Point Upsilon.

Aisaka, fresh off the heels of sweeping Azusa Nakano in both Japan and Korea, had no problems blowing apart Shinku 1952-1009, at Point Xi, 3.85 light years away.

"I really don't have much to worry about," Aisaka said after the contest. "From this point, the ISML will answer the question of how far I will go. I'm more concerned about the contests in Japan, and especially in Korea. I hope to win that, because it will be good leverage heading into the later parts of the 2chan tournament. But I will never any of these opportunities lightly. That would be the last thing I would do."

Aisaka faces Rin Tosaka at Point Tau next.

Nanoha Takamachi never had a chance against close friend and battle partner Fate Testarossa Harlaown. It was a walk in Point Omicron (located 3.50 light years away from the Big Dog) for Harlaown, winning 1757-851.

"Clearly the road to defending my crown was going to get tougher," she said. "But I am someone that goes down fighting, and even though I am in the Loser's Bracket, you can bet that I will lay my life on the line to defend my Tiara. And that is what I intend to do."

Fate takes on Suigintou at Point Sigma next.

At Point Pi, located 3.15 light years from Sirius, Mikuru Asahina put the clamps down early and often on Suiseiseki, winning in a 1713-1280 laugher.

"This is the business end of things," said Asahina in her adult form, while her younger form was sleeping next to Kyon. "Every opponent is just as good as the other, and the will of the audience determines the outcome. I have never taken a match like this for granted, and I am going to continue fighting until the road ends for me. Hopefully it will lead to what the others still alive are also hoping it will lead to.

"We have our eyes on the prize. This is why you play the games."

In other action, a special match pitted likely at-large qualifiers for next season: K-ON!'s Mio Akiyama and Bakemonogatari's Hitagi Senjougahara in Madrid. If anybody in the Spanish capital (some still reeling from Rioitis) thought this was going to be a close affair, they were in for a rude awakening. Senjougahara got destroyed by the Dangerous Queen of Sakuragaoka, 1812-1105.

Finally, the relegation rounds continued. Mai Kawasumi defeated Ayu Tsukimiya 1397-1076 in Tokyo, Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere cruised past Misuzu Kamio 1579-1257 in New York City, Mikoto Misaka electrocuted Chii 1556-1244 in Buenos Aires, Sayuri Kurata rolled past Index L. Prohibitorum 1484-1278 in Cairo, Yuuhi Katagiri prevailed over Hayate Yagami 1342-1290, Reimu Hakurei won a 1337-1319 nailbiter over Nayuki Minase in London and Evangeline McDowell defeated Vita 1311-1199.

BoBA 2009 ISML Predictions: Tiara Loser's Bracket Round 1, ISML Relegation Round 3 & Special Exhibition

Tiara Loser's Bracket Round 1

ARENA 01: Holo [Hiiragi Kagami]

ARENA 02: Asahina Mikuru [Suiseiseki]

ARENA 03: Takamachi Nanoha [Fate Testarossa]

ARENA 04: [Aisaka Taiga] Shinku

ISML Relegation Round 3

ARENA 05: Tsukimiya Ayu [Kawasumi Mai]

ARENA 06: [Louise Vallière] Kamio Misuzu

ARENA 07: [Misaka Mikoto] Chii

ARENA 08: [Index Prohibitorum] Kurata Sayuri

ARENA 09: [Yagami Hayate] Katagiri Yūhi

ARENA 10: Minase Nayuki [Hakurei Reimu]

ARENA 11: Vita [Evangeline McDowell]

Special Exhibition

ARENA 12: Senjōgahara Hitagi [Akiyama Mio]

ISML 2009: Shana, Yuki Nagato inch one step closer to the Tiara

ISML 2009: Shana, Yuki Nagato inch one step closer to the Tiara

October 3, 2009

The possibility of Shana going through the ISML 2009 Tiara campaign without a defeat grew stronger, while Yuki Nagato also progressed into the next round in the Winner's Bracket.

Nagato may not have advanced in the 2009 Anizone Beat Moe and 2chan Anime Saimoe tournaments, but she did win the bulk of the vote in her match with Haruhi Suzumiya on Point Kappa, 3.50 light years away, by the score of 1429-1119.

"Winning the tournaments in Korea and Japan are insignificant when compared to winning a crown as prestigious as this," Nagato said after the contest. "I can calculate that this brings a feeling of accomplishment, but only to a certain degree. In layman terms, the job is not finished. Shana is as strong an opponent as anyone could face in the ISML this year, and she will not be an opponent to take down without a certain degree of commitment and effort on my part."

"Not looking good for us," said Haruhi after the contest. "I am not surprised about Yuki beating me again, but Eruruu beating both of us at 2chan. This is a clear insult to our cause. Even worse, with Yuki out of it in Korea, we are losing our clout. Thankfully there are those abroad that still believe in who we are and what our mission is."

Shana, meanwhile, had less difficulty defeating Rin Tosaka at Point Iota, located 3.15 light years from Earth, by the score of 1524-1108.

"My objective is approaching this tournament one match at a time," Shana said. "Today our team is three victories away from accoplishing our goal. "There is a ten-day gap between me and my battle with Kyou Fujibayashi, so I am intent on training in Point Phi's arena in preparation of my next fight."

Fujibayashi took it to Suigintou on Point Mu, located 4.20 years away, by the score of 1550-1026.

"Junk is as junk does, and I intend to lay the book on someone who is so," Fujibayashi said after her battle. "Shana is different. She will leave you charred if you let down your guard, but I fear nothing and I will fight hard. Hey, that rhymes. Maybe when I go into teaching I will be a poet too."

At Point Lambda, located 3.85 light years away, Hinagiku Katsura took down Tomoyo Sakagami 1360-1255.

"Back on Earth, Nagi [Sanzen'in] is the only one remaining, and I do not like her chances against Nodoka [Haramura]," Katsura said after her battle. "On the other hand the odds may be against me on Point Chi, but if Eruruu can beat my opponent AND Haruhi in Japan, I can do the same to Yuki here."

In other action, the ISML relegations rounds continued. In Tokyo, Ayu Tsukimiya defeated Hayate Yagami 1365-1072. Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere, who will still be in the ISML next season because of her Group Finals win over Momoko Toyoko, was all smiles when she defeated Sayuri Kurata 1440-1153 in New York.

"It seems that the wave is turning against some of the Saki girls," said De La Valliere after her contest. "That doesn't mean that these matches are meaningless. I want to win the rest of my matches and finish this thing on a winning note. This will be great experience heading into next season, because I anticipate that a certain band from Tokyo is going to spice things up a bit."

She was referred to the band K-ON!, also known at Sakuragaoka High School as Hokago Tea Time. Azusa Nakano already qualified for next year, as did the younger sister of lead guitarist Yui Hirasawa, Ui. However, Yui has a chance to qualify for next year with a victory over Minori Kushieda in the Group E Final. Kushieda already will be in the main draw by way of her finish, but Hirasawa is the favorite in the contest. And though Mio Akiyama, Ritsu Tainaka and Tsumugi Kotobuki are already eliminated, they are expected to be nominated for next year's edition, and to be voted in early.

Continuing with the relegation battles...Mai Kawasumi defeated Yuuhi Katagiri 1373-1126 in Buenos Aires, Cairo saw Misuzu Kamio defeat Nayuki Minase 1164-1083, Mikoto Misaka Shocked Reimu Hakurei 1224-1131 in MOscow, Chii defeated Evangeline McDowell 1222-1128 in London and Index L. Prohibitorum made it a rare To Aru Majutsu no Index relegation sweep with a 1238-1099 victory over Vita in Sydney.

BoBA ISML 2009 Predictions: Tiara Loser's Bracket Match Day 1

Kagami Hiiragi def. Horo by <100
Over/Under: 2900
Over

Suiseiseki def. Mikuru Asahina by <100
Over/Under: 3000
Under

Fate Testarossa Harlaown def. Nanoha Takamachi by >150
Over/Under: 2500
Over

Taiga Aisaka def. Shinku by <100
Over/Under: 2860
Over

BoBA 2009 ISML Predictions: Tiara Winner's Bracket Round 1 & Relegation Match Day 2

ARENA 01: [Shana] Tōsaka Rin

ARENA 02: Suigintou [Fujibayashi Kyō]

ARENA 03: [Sakagami Tomoyo] Katsura Hinagiku

ARENA 04: Nagato Yuki [Suzumiya Haruhi]

ARENA 05: [Tsukimiya Ayu] Yagami Hayate

ARENA 06: [Louise Vallière] Kurata Sayuri

ARENA 07: [Kawasumi Mai] Katagiri Yūhi

ARENA 08: Kamio Misuzu [Minase Nayuki]

ARENA 09: [Hakurei Reimu] Misaka Mikoto

ARENA 10: Evangeline McDowell [Chii]

ARENA 11: [Vita] Index Prohibitorum

BoBA 2009 ISML Predictions: Tiara Winner's Bracket, Round 1

Shana def. Rin Tosaka by >100
Over/Under: 4300
Over

Kyou Fujibayashi def. Suigintou by <100>150
Over/Under: 4400
Under

Haruhi Suzumiya def. Yuki Nagato by >100
Over/Under: 4300
Over

Tomoyo Sakagami def. Hinagiku Katasura by >100
Over/Under: 4400
Over

ISML 2009: Shana rolls on in Tiara Preliminary Round of Judgment

ISML 2009: Shana rolls on in Tiara Preliminary Round of Judgment


September 29, 2009

The 2009 International Saimoe League postseason went into full swing today with the Tiara Preliminary Round of Judgment and Relegation Round 1.

The Top 16 competitors at the end of the ISML 2009 Regular Season began their fight for the Tiara by being teleported to eight points far away from Planet Earth.

At Point Alpha, located 0.35 light years from Earth, top see Shana won a surprisingly close battle with Horo, 1981-1932. "I didn't expect the Wise Wolf of Yoitsu to be a tough cookie," she said in an interview, "but you have to give her credit for making this a match. The important thing is that I got the job done."

Point Beta is located 0.70 light years away. Here, #2 seeded Haruhi Suzumiya delivered a decisive 2125-1887 victory over Shinku. "I came into this phase facing a buzzsaw," Shinku said after the contest. "And she was ready."

Standing 1.05 light years away is Point Gamma, where #3 seed Tomoyo Sakagami pummeled Nanoha Takamachi 2095-1640. "Well, that's one less enemy to worry about," said Sakagami, "but I have a long ways yet to go, as do the rest of the others today."

Point Delta, located 1.40 light years away, a close match between Kyou Fujibayashi and Suiseiseki saw the Clannad #4 seed win 2003-1983. "She didn't sweep in 2006 without a reason," Fujibayashi said, "but this is 2009. Times change. Tastes change. And I defeated someone that allowed me to bring it."

Point Epsilon is located 1.75 light years away, and Suigintou was more successful in her preliminary round battle, defeating Mikuru Asahina 2265-1789. "If anyone thought that the weakest link of the so-called 'SOS Brigade' was going to make an impact," Suigintou said after the match, "they were in for a big surprise today. A REALLY big surprise."

At Point Zeta, located 2.10 light years away from Earth, Hinagiku Katsura took her anger out from being eliminated in the Anizone and 2chan tournaments by making Fate Testarossa Harlaown's title defense that much difficult in a 1949-1768 victory. "There will be a new champion," proclaimed Katsura. "Whether it will be me, we'll just have to find out. But I am moving in the right direction. And I did have to take the bad taste out of my mouth from my performance in Japan and Korea."

At Point Eta, located 2.45 light years away, Yuki Nagato prevailed 2053-1814 over Taiga Aisaka. "She was going to be a tough cookie," Aisaka admitted after the match. "I want to get my revenge if I face her in the semis or the final, assuming both of us make it that far."

At Point Theta, located 2.80 light years away, Rin Tosaka cruised past Kagami Hiiragi 1989-1772. "This was a great effort," Tosaka said after the match. "To defeat one of the strongest from Lucky Star is no small task. I want to keep the momentum going."

In other action, the relegation rounds took place at a number of the major cities. Mai Kawasumi defeated Mikoto Misaka 1774-1589 in Tokyo, Sayuri Kurata defeated Reimu Hakurei 1684-1572 in New york, Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere defeatred Chii 1861-1626 in Buenos Aires, Yuuhi Katagiri defeated Nayuki Minase 1608-1576 in Cairo, Misuzu Kamio defeated Vita 1723-1545 in Moscow, Hayate Yagami defeated Evangeline A.K. McDowell 1673-1501 in London and Ayu Tsukimiya defeated Index L. Prohibitorum 1789-1529 in Sydney.

BoBA 2009 ISML Predictions: Tiara Double Elimination and ISML Relegation, Day 1

Tiara Double Elimination, Preliminary Round

ARENA 01: [Shana] Holo

ARENA 02: Hiiragi Kagami [Tōsaka Rin]

ARENA 03: [Suigintou] Asahina Mikuru

ARENA 04: Suiseiseki [Fujibayashi Kyō]

ARENA 05: [Sakagami Tomoyo] Takamachi Nanoha

ARENA 06: [Katsura Hinagiku] Fate Testarossa

ARENA 07: Shinku [Suzumiya Haruhi]

ARENA 08: Nagato Yuki [Aisaka Taiga]

ISML Relegation, Round 1

ARENA 09: [Kawasumi Mai] Misaka Mikoto

ARENA 10: Kurata Sayuri [Hakurei Reimu]

ARENA 11: [Louise Vallière] Chii

ARENA 12: [Minase Nayuki] Katagiri Yūhi

ARENA 13: [Kamio Misuzu] Vita

ARENA 14: [Yagami Hayate] Evangeline McDowell

ARENA 15: [Tsukimiya Ayu] Index Prohibitorum

Quick hits, September 20, 2009

Today is my father's and sister's birthdays, respectively. As if I fucking care...my dad took away the FiOS modem. He doesn't need any presents from me.

---

Hawaii's defensive secondary is crap, and our receivers have just as crappy hands of butter. Nuff said after choking 34-33 to UNLV.

---

Long Beach State's women's soccer team fails to impress today against San Diego State. Ugh. It seems my favorite teams are choking against the Mountain West. But they weren't the only ones who disappointed.

USC football...lost.
Cal Poly football...lost.
Harvard football...lost.
AFC Wimbledon...drew with a red.
Long Beach City College football...blown apart.

Some good things did happen.

Melbourne Victory...won.
LA Galaxy...won.
Quebec Capitales (one of the few Canadian baseball teams I follow)...won the Can-Am League.
Long Beach State women's volleyball...defeated UCLA. Not very often that happens.
My high school...defeated Mayfair fair and square. See some of my deviations for that action.
The Angels rebounded today after losing yesterday.
And Azusa Nakano and Ui Hirasawa qualified for the ISML after advancing to the quarters of Anizone Saimoe.

Still though...Hawaii's defense is crap. The onus is them to prove me otherwise. The wanks...

---

I never want to talk about yesterday. That day sucked.

---

I am bored. And hungry. Thank god for the Beach.

BoBA 2009 ISML Predictions: Tiara Double Elimination, Preliminary Round

Watch ISML 2009 Tiara Preview in Anime | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Shana def. Horo by 200+

Over/Under = 2500

Over

Rin Tosaka def. Kagami Hiiragi by 100+

Over/Under = 2200

Under

Suigintou def. Mikuru Asahina by <100

Over/Under = 2300

Under

Kyou Fujibayashi def. Suiseiseki by 200+

Over/Under = 2300

Over

Tomoyo Sakagami def. Nanoha Takamachi by 150+

Over/Under = 2300

Under

Hinagiku Katsura def. Fate Testarossa Harlaown by <100

Over/Under = 2100

Under

Haruhi Suzumiya def. Shinku by 200+

Over/Under = 2500

Over

Taiga Aisaka def. Yuki Nagato by <100

Over/Under = 2100

Under

USC Steals Ohio State's Soul

The embattled Ohio State football program -- losers of five straight against elite programs -- made its stand. Saturday night was going to be the place where they bucked history and reclaimed some former glory in toppling No. 3 USC. Over 106,000 fans, most in Ohio Stadium history, made life hell for the visitors from sunny California. The Buckeye defense made stop after stop, harassing the Trojan run game and freshman quarterback Matt Barkley over four solid quarters. They made their stand, but in soul-crushing fashion, they once again failed.

Trailing 15-10 and looking ready to wilt, USC mounted a 14-play, 86-yard, six minute touchdown drive to go ahead 18-15 with just over a minute left. Same. Old. Story. Not enough.

The anatomy of a marque game between national powers:

Tressel Ball -- Ohio State played Tressel Ball to perfection, locking USC and its freshman quarterback in bad field position literally the entire evening. Chris Galippo's early interception aside, here was USC's starting position the rest of the game

USC 22
USC 20
USC 18
USC 14
USC 20
USC 20
USC 10
USC 21
USC 14
USC 18

Long fields every time out, absolutely amazing. From there Ohio State didn't relent, its defensive line neutralizing USC's offensive line, shutting things down on first down and forcing all kinds of punts.

Pryor's early interception was the Buckeyes' only turnover.

Classic Tressel Ball

Terrelle Pryor -- His numbers on Saturday weren't great, but make no doubt about it he's arrived. USC's defense was lights out nearly the entire night but had to play incredibly sharp to keep Pryor contained. He still snuck in several long passes totaling 177 yards on the night.

Pryor is so good that even when contained by a top five defense having a great night, he moved the ball and dominated in a role that has me calling him the Human Field Position Machine. In the absence of many touchdowns, he taxed the USC defense and played right into the hands of Tressel Ball in never offering USC a chance for a short field. When it clicks this guy might be better than Vince Young, capable of completely controlling all but the best defenses.

Matt Barkley -- USC freshman quarterback Matt Barkley came into the game beaming, convinced he would not get distracted by the setting and the raucous crowd. In a postgame news conference he admitted to his ears still buzzing minutes later.

For most of the night he did little to help move USC's offense, but was a maestro at the end of both halves in guiding USC to a field goal and then what will go down this year as The Drive among USC fandom. Running back Joe McKnight did most of the heavy lifting on The Drive, but Barkley stayed poised in completing several third down passes and converting a fourth down run. Like Pryor he, too, has arrived after the 195 yard effort.

Of some interest, Barkley admitted that a fourth quarter hit 'jacked up' his shoulder and he was shown grimacing through the rest of the game but refused to be replaced. Its that kind of toughness that screams leadership and poise.

The Numbers -- Ohio State's defense deserves enormous credit Saturday, shutting USC's offense down for long stretches and embarrassing its vaunted offensive line. That said, USC's offense still outplayed Ohio State's. USC gained 18 first downs to 10, and had a 47 yard edge, 313 to 266. USC's defense allowed just 89 rushing yards, the Trojans themselves netting a modest 118.

The star for me was USC linebacker Chris Galippo. Even without his first quarter interception, Galippo was stellar, routinely displaying uncanny instincts arriving at several plays before they could materialize. Even in coverage where he was beat, he made two tremendous plays on perfectly thrown balls that otherwise would have gone incomplete. The guy deserves All America mention after his showing the last two weeks.

The Drive -- After the game, Barkley reportedly said of The Drive "We're Trojans, that's what we do." Sounds about right. On a night USC certainly should have lost and had shown little offensive life in the second half where they normally come to life, something clicked.

The clock read 7:29, ball on their own 14. It would be either their last or second to last possession, assuming they could even acquire a rare first down before giving the ball back to Pryor to grind more clock away while set up in great field position with a five point lead. The Trojans set about on a long drive, draining clock despite a five point deficit and unsure returns. Risky, and inevitably right.

Somewhere they summoned that uncanny poise the program's becoming famous for, a freshman leading the charge. It started off like much of the game, with a Barkley sack. Adding insult to injury, Barkley was tagged with a five-yard delay of game penalty, setting up second and 19. Joe McKnight took over from there, rushing for 11 yards and then beating a linebacker on third and eight for a 21-yard weaving reception.

Latest College Football Photos

Ohio State's Etienne Sabino (6) stops Southern California's C.J. Gable (2) on a kick off return in the first

Quick hits, September 13, 2009

58 percent of you fuckers on the Anizone Saimoe are bloody idiots. IDIOTS, I say. You just had to let Yuki Nagato through. AGAIN. The second season of Haruhi isn't gaining as much steam as before, and you just confirmed your idiocy. Goddamn you all!!!

More on this on the next edition of the Lunch Hour (via transcript). I am not too happy about this. Any of you turds who thought that Haruhiism was dead...apparently there are some voters in need of being persecuted.

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Good riddance, Ohio State. You sucked last night. And so did you, Lane Kiffin. You should have just kept your ass in Oakland, you traitor!

---

The Galaxy need a lesson in consistency. A 6-3 defeat to FC Dallas is fucking unforgivable.

ISML 2009: Top 16 after Regular Season

TOP 16 AFTER ISML 2009 REGULAR SEASON:

1. Shana (SAP) 186 pts
2. Haruhi Suzumiya 177 pts
3. Tomoyo Sakagami (AQ) 174 pts
4. Kyou Fujibayashi 171 pts
5. Suigintou (AM) 168 pts
6. Fate Testarossa Harlaown (C) 165 pts
7. Yuki Nagato (TOP) 159 pts
8. Rin Tosaka 159 pts
9. Kagami Hiiragi 156 pts
10. Taiga Aisaka 156 pts
11. Hinagiku Katsura (RUB) 153 pts
12. Mikuru Asahina 150 pts
13. Suiseiseki (EM) 147 pts
14. Nanoha Takamachi 147 pts
15. Shinku (DIA) 147 pts
16. Horo 141 pts

(C) Defending ISML Champion
(AQ) Aquamarine Necklace winner
(TOP) Topaz Necklace winner
(AM) Amethyst Necklace winner
(SAP) Sapphire Necklace winner
(EM) Emerald Necklace winner
(RUB) Ruby Necklace winner
(DIA) Diamond Necklace winner

ISML 2009: Shinku gets the Diamond

ISML 2009: Shinku gets the Diamond

By Bongaboi
September 5, 2009

As the 2009 International Saimoe League drew to a close, the fate of the final necklace, the Diamond, was determined.

And the unexpected of all competitors in contention, Shinku, won it. A comprehensive 1967-1167 victory over Mai Kawasumi in New York City

"Well, I was not expecting this," said the Pure Ruby herself at a victory rally by the Rockefeller Center, who was surrounded by Suigintou (who defeated Kotomi Ichinose 1850-1496 in London), Suiseiseki (who wrapped up another Rozen Maiden sweep with a 1707-1585 victory over Horo in Paris), Jun and Nori Sakurada, Kanaria, Kirakishou, Souseiseki, Hina-Ichigo, and Tomoe Kashiwaba. "I wanted to get the Ruby necklace, but I'll take Diamond any old day."

Banners in the air read: "It's the year of the Alice Doll!", "We love you Shinku!", "Screw 2chan and Anizone; we got the best moe here in New York" and "NY<3RM", that is, New York lover Rozen Maiden.

"Well, I guess you should be happy that you got your first necklace," said a bemused Suigintou.
"Now that each of us got a necklace, I have a question for all of you here desu," asked Suiseiseki. "Raise your hands if you think this will be the year one of us takes the Tiara away from that fugly wench Testarossa desu!"
Everybody did.
"That's what I'm talking about desu! Now raise your hands if it's going to be me that takes it desu! Ohohohoho..." Nobody did. "Ehhh!? To hell with you all desu! I'm outta here desu!" She quickly exited the stage before being dragged back by Jun. "Hanase desu! Mou desu!"
"How many of you think it's going to be me, the embodiment of perfection?" asked Suigintou.
Half of the hands were raised.
"And yours truly?" Shinku asked, quietly sipping another cup. The other half were raised. "There's your answer, you piece of junk."
"Oh Shinku, you didn't have to rub it in that way, you fool," she responded with an evil, vain laugh.
"Anyway desu, thank you all for supporting us this year desu! Wish us all luck desu!" appealed Suiseiseki to the crowd, who chanted "Rozen Maiden!" while the strains of Kinjareta Asobi and Seishouji Ryouiki wafted through the Manhattan Skyline.

Meanwhile, a victory rally was held for Shana in Tokyo. "Our job is not finished yet," she said, surrounded by Yuji Sekai, Kazumi Yoshida, Margery Daw and Hecate. "We have a ways yet to go before we get the job done. Thank you for your support during this International Saimoe League regular season. Now the tough part begins."
"Give props to Shana," said a disappointed Hinagiku Katsura, who lost to the overall regular season champion 1438-2107. "She might be the one that wins this one."
At another victory rally, Mikuru Asahina celebrated her perfect run with a 2444-690 against winless Ayumu "Osaka" Kasuga in Istanbul. "Um...thank you for helping me finish this campaign without a defeat."
"I love you!" said a Mikuru supporter with an apparent nosebleed.
"I love you too," she said, blowing a kiss. The supporter had to be sent to a hospital. He is recovering with blinding speed that he left the hospital without his clothes on. He is currently on the run.

"Fuuko may not have made the cut," said a disappointed Fuuko Ibuki after defeating Hayate Yagami 1956-1092 in Sao Paulo, "but Fuuko will be back next year and become stronger. Fuuko thanks her supporters for their support." She waved to the crowd as star-shapped gold confetti rained down in the Brazilian city, where chanting, drumming and singing of Mag Mell took place.

With Kawasumi's loss, Kanon is effectively out of contention from returning automatically to the 2010 International Saimoe League. This means that there will be 30 open slots for next year's competition.

Minori Kushieda has been the surprise story of the phase. Although she ends her Diamond run with a 6-3 record, her string of victories-which was capped with a 1789-1042 blasting of Anya Earlstreim in Sydney-ensures that all the characters from Toradora! are slated to return next season due to the .500 rule.

In addition to Rozen Maiden, Fate/Stay Night also earned a sweep. Saber slashed past Yuuhi Katagiri 1979-990 in Buenos Aires, Rin Tosaka prevailed over Konata Izumi 1896-1514 in Bogota and Illyasviel von Einzbern easily flattened Kirino Chiba 1850-887 in Seoul.

In other action...Chii clobbered Patchouli Knowledge 1568-898 in Mexico City, Sayuri Kurata torched Index L. Prohibitorum 1741-1083 in Mumbai, Haruhi Suzumiya finally figured out Yuki Nagato in a 1752-1415 victory in Shanghai, Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La valliere pulverized Shiki Ryogi 1934-975 in Lagos and Kallen Kozuki (Stadtfeld) took out Akari Mizunashi 1544-1102.

Kyou Fujibayashi got her revenge for her defeat to Tomoyo Sakagami last year with a 1868-1352 victory in Karachi, Kagami Hiiragi upended defending champion Fate Testarossa Harlaown 1948-1317 in Dhaka, Nanoha Takamachi busted Rena Ryuuguu 1814-1401 in Manila, Nagi Sanzen'in took out C.C. 1955-1457 in Cairo, Reimu Hakurei ended her season with a 1209-115 victory over Amu Hinamori in Jakarta and Mikoto Misaka whipped past Evangeline A.K. McDowell 1597-1065 in Moscow.

Sakura Kinomoto scored an impressive 1728-1578 victory over Tsukasa Hiiragi in Lima to wrap up her ISML season, Hanyuu Furude finished on a high note with 1576-1523 thriller over Ami Kawashima in Tehran, Nayuki Minase tore down Alice Carroll 1652-946 in bangkok, Taiga Aisaka roared pase Misuzu Kamio 1927-1334 in Santiago and Konjiki no Yami never broke a sweat in dismissing Nagi 2110-834 in Kinshasa.

Wrapping up the 2009 International Saimoe League Regular Season...Tamaki Kawazoe ended her dismal year on a winning note with a 1048-1018 nailbiter in Toronto, Nagisa Furukawa laid the dango on Rika Furude 1739-1536 in Algiers, Marisa Kirisame outpaced Remilia Scarlet 1319-1195 in Milan, Maria dusted off Shiori Misaka 2193-889 in Madrid, Mei Sunohara ensured of her return for next season with a 1861-870 drubbing of Makoto Sawatari in Santo Domingo and Vita ended her ISML run with a 1528-1362 win over Ayu Tsukimiya in Katowice.

TOP 16 AFTER ISML 2009 REGULAR SEASON:

1. Shana (SAP) 186 pts
2. Haruhi Suzumiya 177 pts
3. Tomoyo Sakagami (AQ) 174 pts
4. Kyou Fujibayashi 171 pts
5. Suigintou (AM) 168 pts
6. Fate Testarossa Harlaown (C) 165 pts
7. Yuki Nagato (TOP) 159 pts
8. Rin Tosaka 159 pts
9. Kagami Hiiragi 156 pts
10. Taiga Aisaka 156 pts
11. Hinagiku Katsura (RUB) 153 pts
12. Mikuru Asahina 150 pts
13. Suiseiseki (EM) 147 pts
14. Nanoha Takamachi 147 pts
15. Shinku (DIA) 147 pts
16. Horo 141 pts

(C) Defending ISML Champion
(AQ) Aquamarine Necklace winner
(TOP) Topaz Necklace winner
(AM) Amethyst Necklace winner
(SAP) Sapphire Necklace winner
(EM) Emerald Necklace winner
(RUB) Ruby Necklace winner
(DIA) Diamond Necklace winner

BoBA 2009 ISML Predictions: Diamond Match Day 9

ARENA 01: [Katsura Hinagiku] Shana

ARENA 02: [Chii] Patchouli Knowledge

ARENA 03: Index Prohibitorum [Kurata Sayuri]

ARENA 04: Yagami Hayate [Ibuki Fūko]

ARENA 05: Kawasumi Mai [Shinku]

ARENA 06: [Suzumiya Haruhi] Nagato Yuki

ARENA 07: Ryōgi Shiki [Louise Vallière]

ARENA 08: Kōzuki Kallen [Mizunashi Akari]

ARENA 09: [Saber] Katagiri Yūhi

ARENA 10: Chiba Kirino [Illyasviel von Einzbern]

ARENA 11: Fujibayashi Kyō [Sakagami Tomoyo]

ARENA 12: Hiiragi Kagami [Fate Testarossa]

ARENA 13: Ryūgū Rena [Takamachi Nanoha]

ARENA 14: C.C. [Sanzen'in Nagi]

ARENA 15: Hinamori Amu [Hakurei Reimu]

ARENA 16: [Suiseiseki] Holo

ARENA 17: [Asahina Mikuru] Kasuga “Ōsaka” Ayumu

ARENA 18: Misaka Mikoto [Evangeline McDowell]

ARENA 19: [Ichinose Kotomi] Suigintou

ARENA 20: Kinomoto Sakura [Hiiragi Tsukasa]

ARENA 21: Furude Hanyū [Kawashima Ami]

ARENA 22: Alice Carroll [Minase Nayuki]

ARENA 23: [Tōsaka Rin] Izumi Konata

ARENA 24: Kamio Misuzu [Aisaka Taiga]

ARENA 25: Nagi [Konjiki no Yami]

ARENA 26: Shameimaru Aya [Kawazoe Tamaki]

ARENA 27: [Furukawa Nagisa] Furude Rika

ARENA 28: Remilia Scarlet [Kirisame Marisa]

ARENA 29: [Maria] Misaka Shiori

ARENA 30: Anya Alstreim [Kushieda Minori]

ARENA 31: [Sunohara Mei] Sawatari Makoto

ARENA 32: [Tsukimiya Ayu] Vita

ISML 2009: Hinagiku, Shana close in on Diamond necklace

ISML 2009: Hinagiku, Shana close in on Diamond necklace

September 3, 2009

With the American football season now in full swing, the 2009 International Saimoe League is starting to draw to a close, as one regular season match day remains.

The battle between Hinagiku Katsura and Shana in Tokyo is slated be the marquee match that will potentially determine the fate of the Diamond necklace. Katsura defeated Ami Kawashima, 1634-1007 in Mexico City. A win over regular season champion Shana will make Katsura the first since Haruhi Suzumiya to win both the Ruby and Diamond necklaces in succession.

Suzumiya herseld had no problems defeating Makoto Sawatari 1718-719 in Mumbai.

Shana, meanwhile, had an easy time defeating Index L. Prohibitorum 1804-640 in Dhaka. However, a victory over Katsura will not guarantee that she will earn the necklace.

Mikuru Asahina should have an easy day defeating destined-to-be-winless Ayumu "Osaka" Kasuga, who lost to Nagisa Furukawa 1695-552 in Milan. Asahina defeated Louise Francoise Le Blanc de La Valliere 1572-1050 in Tehran.

Shinku and Fuuko Ibuki may have the lowest chance of winning the Diamond necklace, but all prospects of an unbeaten Diamond run hang in the balance.

Shinku defeated a slumping Yuki Nagato 1338-1222 in Jakarta. She wraps up her Diamond campaign against Mai Kawasumi, an opponent that should not give her much trouble in New York City. Kawasumi lost a 1100-1107 heartbreaker to Nayuki Minase in Buenos Aires, meaning that a victory by the Pure Ruby herself will effectively shut Kanon out of returning automatically to next year's ISML.

Ibuki clobbered Ayu Tsukimiya 1611-776 in Bogota and finishes her ISML run against Hayate Yagami in Sao Paulo. Yagami got manhandled by Tomoyo Sakagami 1647-749 in Karachi.

The Hayate, Lucky Star and Rozen Maiden teams all claimed sweeps again.

On the Hayate the Combat Butler front, Maria defeated Evangeline MCDowell 1628-782 in Lagos and Nagi Sanzen'in routed Alice Carroll 1635-608 in Sydney.

Konata Izumi edged Misuzu Kamio 1228-1079 in Madrid, Kagami Hiiragi prevailed over Illyasviel von Einbern 1283-1190 in Sao Paulo and Tsukasa Hiiragi defeated Kallen Kozuki (Stadtfeld) 1563-750 in Santiago.

In addition to Shinku's win for the Alice Dolls, Suigintou tore apart Chii 1599-860 in Moscow and Suiseiseki whipped past Yuuhi Katagiri 1536-914 in Bangkok.

Defending champion Fate Testarossa Harlaown never broke a sweat in dismembering Shiki Ryogi 1582-657 in Katowice.

In other action...Horo chomped up Anya Earlstreim 1678-709 in Tokyo, Kirino Chiba scored a rare 1150-781 victory over Akari Mizunashi 1150-781 in New York City, Rika Furude defeated Mei Sunohara 1393-1118 in Shanghai, Nanoha Takamachi busted Mikoto Misaka 1468-793 in Los Angeles and Sakura Kinomoto easily roughhoused Tamaki Kawazoe 1426-677 in Seoul.

Rena Ryuuguu chopped down Marisa Kirisame 1402-686 in Manila, Rin Tosaka electrocuted Nagi 1711-650 in Cairo, Konjiki no Yami (Golden Darkness) scored an impressive 1463-963 winner over Hanyuu Furude in London, Minori Kushieda remains alive with a 1487-631 defeat of Aya Shameimaru in Istanbul, Taiga Aisaka roared past Remilia Scarlet 1625-615 in Lima and Kotomi Ichinose sounded off Vita 1576-714 in Kinshasa.

Wrapping up action...Saber slashed past Sayuri Kurata 1450-1047 in Toronto, Kyou Fujibayashi dismissed Shiori Misaka 1724-567 in Algiers and C.C. defeated Reimu Hakurei 1390-+1023 in Santo Domingo.

Josh Wicks, the almighty hand crusher!?

Apparently Vegeta and Nappa were surprised to find out that Josh Wicks's level went over 9,000 when he stomped Freddy Montero's foot.

Seattle Sounders beat DC United 2-1 to take US Open Cup

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (CP) – 6 minutes ago

WASHINGTON — Freddy Montero and Roger Levesque scored to lead Seattle to a 2-1 victory over D.C. United in the U.S. Open Cup final Wednesday night, giving the expansion Sounders their first trophy.

Montero smashed in a rebound in the 67th minute and Levesque scored in the 85th as Seattle joined Chicago (1998) as the only teams to win the Open Cup in their inaugural season.

Clyde Simms scored for D.C. in the 89th minute.

The win was especially satisfying for the Sounders, who felt slighted after the United won the right to host the final from the U.S. Soccer Federation.

A media war of words between Seattle general manager Adrian Hanauer and United president Kevin Payne followed that decision, and the 17,329 who came to RFK Stadium more than doubled the attendance for D.C.'s Open Cup-winning victory over second-division Charleston (S.C.) last year.

Before the trophy presentation, the Sounders trotted to the stadium's northwest corner and applauded approximately 100 green-clad fans in the upper deck who made the trip from the Pacific Northwest.

Montero thundered the ball into a gaping net to put Seattle up 1-0 after Freddie Llundberg reached Steve Zakuani's cross, only to be denied by a diving Josh Wicks.

Wicks lunged but couldn't beat Montero. The D.C. goalkeeper was then ejected in the aftermath of the goal for apparently stepping on Montero, who was sprawled on the ground after scoring.

As United struggled to cope a man down, Levesque made it 2-0 when he tapped into an empty net after Sebastien Le Toux's cross beat substitute goalkeeper Milos Kocic.

Simms also scored into an empty net after reaching a deflected free kick. United pressured through five minutes of stoppage time, but could do no more than force a clearing punch from Seattle goalkeeper Kasey Keller with a late corner kick.

The U.S. Open Cup, which began in 1914, is open to all levels of professional and amateur teams associated with the USSF.

Copyright © 2009 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

BoBA 2009 ISML Predictions: Diamond Match Day 8

ARENA 01: Anya Alstreim [Holo]

ARENA 02: [Katsura Hinagiku] Kawashima Ami

ARENA 03: Sawatari Makoto [Suzumiya Haruhi]

ARENA 04: [Hiiragi Kagami] Illyasviel von Einzbern

ARENA 05: Chiba Kirino [Mizunashi Akari]

ARENA 06: [Sunohara Mei] Furude Rika

ARENA 07: [Maria] Evangeline McDowell

ARENA 08: Misaka Mikoto [Takamachi Nanoha]

ARENA 09: [Kawasumi Mai] Minase Nayuki

ARENA 10: [Kinomoto Sakura] Kawazoe Tamaki

ARENA 11: Yagami Hayate [Sakagami Tomoyo]

ARENA 12: Index Prohibitorum [Shana]

ARENA 13: [Ryūgū Rena] Kirisame Marisa

ARENA 14: [Tōsaka Rin] Nagi

ARENA 15: [Nagato Yuki] Shinku

ARENA 16: [Hinamori Amu] Patchouli Knowledge

ARENA 17: Shameimaru Aya [Kushieda Minori]

ARENA 18: Chii [Suigintou]

ARENA 19: Furude Hanyū [Konjiki no Yami]

ARENA 20: Remilia Scarlet [Aisaka Taiga]

ARENA 21: [Asahina Mikuru] Louise Vallière

ARENA 22: [Suiseiseki] Katagiri Yūhi

ARENA 23: Tsukimiya Ayu [Ibuki Fūko]

ARENA 24: Kōzuki Kallen [Hiiragi Tsukasa]

ARENA 25: [Ichinose Kotomi] Vita

ARENA 26: [Saber] Kurata Sayuri

ARENA 27: [Fujibayashi Kyō] Misaka Shiori

ARENA 28: [Furukawa Nagisa] Kasuga “Ōsaka” Ayumu

ARENA 29: Kamio Misuzu [Izumi Konata]

ARENA 30: Alice Carroll [Sanzen'in Nagi]

ARENA 31: [C.C.] Hakurei Reimu

ARENA 32: Ryōgi Shiki [Fate Testarossa]