Emerald 2010 Featured Match Writeups

[Crisu]

Featured Match previews/descriptions/teasers (whatever you want to call them) are needed every Round. Anyone in the community is welcome to contribute in any language. Accepted submissions will be displayed on the front page during the voting round and archived on the site afterwards.

To view previous previews: http://www.internationalsaimoe.com/contestants/fm_index.php

Guidelines

• You must be fair to both Contestants. Write in a neutral voice but keep the reader in suspense.
• A length of about 4 to 5 lines worth is ideal, so it's neither too long nor too short.
• Please use the spelling convention that ISML uses (e.g. with the macrons ō and ū).
• Headings must give a Contestant's overall win-loss record and, if applicable, overall top-16 rank.
• Because these will be on the front page, appropriateness and quality of writing are extremely important.
• Please proofread your work from the perspective of a normal visitor; would he or she understand what you wrote?
• Unfortunately, not every submission will be featured.

Post your writings here, and Staff will review and consider them. Thank you for helping to improve ISML!

[amdrag]

#5 Aisaka Taiga (26-2) vs. #9 Suzumiya Haruhi (24-4)
The last time these two girls met, during the Ruby period of 2009, Suzumiya Haruhi entered the day tied for the lead at 51-1. Aisaka Taiga, while impressive to that point at 42-10, was just outside of the Top 8 and was still looking for her first win against a so-called 'God Tier' opponent. By day's end, the Palmtop Tiger scored a 25-vote upset and make the biggest statement of her Saimoe career to that point. Flash forward to today and one will find that the roles have been reversed. It's Taiga in the 'God Tier,' while the Brigade Leader is on the outside of the Top 8 and looking for her first huge win of the year. Can Taiga go 2-for-2 against the Goddess, or will Haruhi return the favor?

#2 Akiyama Mio (28-0) vs. #7 Sakagami Tomoyo (24-4)
The statistic that makes this match seem like the day's most lopsided match is also what makes it the most intriguing. Yes, Sakagami Tomoyo is still winless on Day 1's this season, and yes, Akiyama Mio could be seen as the league's least-hated contestant, as she has the fewest votes against her thus far. But the most obvious advantage Mio has is the fact that she's undefeated... and that could play right into Tomoyo's hands. Since the inagural season, Tomoyo is 9-0 against girls who begin the day with a 1.000 winning percentage. Can the Warrior make it a perfect 10, or will it be Mio's perfection that rules the day?

#10 Saber (23-5) vs. Fate Testarossa (19-9)
Fate Testarossa's name has become synonymous with the ISML Double-Elimination Tournament, and for good reason; the Enforcer not only won the inaugural Tiara, but her career playoff record (8-2) is the best in ISML history. With all of that history, it's hard to imagine a playoff without her... but if the season ended today, that scenario would become a reality. Fate enters the day in 17th place, one win outside of the final playoff spot. She'll get no sympathy from her opponent, Saber. Saber has yet to qualify for the Double-Elimination Tournament, having finished 20th and 21st the past two years. But a strong start has her in the Top 10, and a win today could mean a five win buffer over 17th place with just 20 matches remaining.

[Momento10]

Furude Rika (1-27) vs. Furude Hanyū (0-28)

Spoiler:

These two characters, who are used to being one, must separate and fight of against each other. It does not seem as though there is much love in the Higurashi faction with all of the newcomers coming and making a big impact in the ISML league. However, the fact that these two specifically are still here means a lot to everyone in the Higurashi faction. Rika, the 2007 Saimoe Champion, has proven her worth in this whole business ever since she debuted here. Hanyū has also made great appearances and match-ups over the years as well. In all of Saimoe, Hanyū was always a few votes shy of being with Rika. With only one number differentiating them, can Hanyū show that she can be on par with Rika, or will Rika overshadow her once again?

#14 Sanzen'in Nagi (20-8) vs. #6 Nagato Yuki (25-3)

Spoiler:

Many of these matches today actually challenge those who are around the bottom area of the Top 16 range, this match not being an exception to it. With interchangeable characters, such as currently away from the top 16 Fate and Rin, and new members who haven't been in the Top 16 area, Holo, Nagisa, and Mafuyu, Nagi needs to make a stand for herself in order for her to truly secure a spot for herself in Top 16 and remain there. Her opponent, Yuki, has already made herself comfortable in the Top 8 and plans to stay there for the remainder of the season. Can the gaming otaku pick up a win over Yuki and prove her dominance in her own way, for will the avid reader defeat her in her own game?

Tōsaka Rin (19-9) vs. Furukawa Nagisa (17-11)

Spoiler:

One of these characters is trying to return to the Top 16 while the other character wants to understand what it feels like to be a part of the Top 16. Rin has had a roller coaster ride over the past few matches. She is either in the Top 16 or out of it and is continuing to have that struggle to obtain a spot in the Top 16 and remain there. Nagisa, although losing to big members, has actually has a steady incline towards to Top 16. It may be slow, but if Nagisa continues this pace, she may just touch the sixteenth spot in the competition, which is what Rin is desperately trying to grab. Is the sorceress able to capitalize on her opponent and reclaim her spot in the Top 16, or does the fan of the Big Dango Family have enough momentum to push Rin aside and continue forward?

[hinakatbklyn]

#16 Hiiragi Kagami (20-8) Vs. #1 Katsura Hinagiku (28-0)

Spoiler:

There are quite a few interesting matches lined up to start the Emerald period, and one of those matches involves the defending tiara winner Hinagiku. Not only does she start the period on top, she is one of two contestants still undefeated for the regular season and is looking to become the first to finish the season unbeaten. Her support in individual matches has been a little sluggish lately, but she has still managed to win her matches with room to spare. However, when it came time to face a dangerous opponent in Yuki during Sapphire, she regained her support and won her match proving that she is still the one to beat. She made a point last year that she didn't need to have an undefeated record, or for that matter a top 10 finish to win the tiara. Her next challenger Hiiragi Kagami is looking to use that same theory against her. She has started out in ISML very slowly by spending most of the regular season outside the top 16. As a top 16 representative last year and the 2008 winner of J-Saimoe, she is not used to starting out slow. However, she has recovered quickly as of late by going 6-1 in Sapphire. She made a statement during that period by beating a strong newcomer and current top 16 representative in Hitagi. By winning this match, she will be the first to defeat Hinagiku and that is something the defending tiara winner does not want to deal with right now. Both have managed to reach the top in separate tournaments, but which one will make a statement and prove that in this match, they are better than the other.

#14 Sanzen'in Nagi (20-8) Vs. #6 Nagato Yuki (25-3)

Spoiler:

Our next two challengers have earned their intelligence and used them for different reasons. However, in this match, they will both need to use their intelligence to outsmart the other. Nagi would have to be smart if she was going to inherit a fortune and she more than proved that by becoming a prodigy at a young age. Although she hasn't always put her smarts to good use, she is smart enough to realize that she doesn't need a fortune to help her friends and those who work with her. She has made an impact in J-saimoe as a runner up in 2007 and coming within one match of reaching the top 8 in 2009. She has shown that she can contend in ISML, but has been unable to finish the season in the top 16. She may be holding one of the top spots at the moment, but to keep it, she will have to contend with a challenger who has already made a name for herself in ISML. Unlike her opponent, Yuki's only concern is reading and is not really interested in making friends, although she does help out when necessary. She has managed to come close in Korea Super Best Moe in 06-07, but she has made a name for herself more with ISML by being runner up to the 2008 tiara winner Fate, and also reached the top 16 in 2008. She is currently in the top 10 and is looking to reach DE again this year. Will the young prodigy have the motivation and support to pull out the victory, or will the quiet one prove that she has more than enough intelligence to stop anyone who stands in her way?

[Kordosa]

C.C. (13-15) vs. Holo (18-10)

Spoiler:

These two contestants share a lot in common. They each possess a beauty unaffected by the passage of time, an affinity for certain foods, and a painful past causing them to shield themselves emotionally from others. And both are saimoe veterans, with C.C. finishing in the top 25 in Saimoe Japan 2007 and in the top 17 in Korea Best Moe for the last three years, and Holo winning Korea Best Moe 2008 and finishing 7th in 2009. Their ISML careers are also similar, with C.C. currently with 102 career wins and a best season finish of 8th place in 2008, and Holo currently with 108 career wins and a best season finish of 13th place in 2009. This round will mark the third time they have faced each other in an ISML head-to-head match. Their first encounter was in 2008 during Aquamarine round 2 with Holo emerging victorious by a close 34-vote margin. And going into Amethyst round 6 last year, they were tied with a period record of (3-2) and an overall record of (14-9). And while Holo again emerged victorious, C.C. is hoping that this year will be different. Will C.C. force the wolf deity to acquiesce, or will Holo bite the witch a third time?

Note: I used both the statistics on each contestants' bio page as well as the archived pages as sources for this. But I wasn't sure whether to include C.C.'s overtime wins during the 2008 season when adding up her total ISML career wins (as I wasn't sure if the rules concerning tiebreaker matches had changed since then) so I didn't. Fixed.

[maglor]

C.C. (13-15) vs. Holo (18-10)

Spoiler:

These two contestants share a lot in common. They each possess a beauty unaffected by the passage of time, an affinity for certain foods, and a painful past causing them to shield themselves emotionally from others. And both are saimoe veterans, with C.C. finishing in the top 25 in Saimoe Japan 2007 and in the top 17 in Korea Best Moe for the last three years, and Holo winning Korea Best Moe 2008 and finishing 7th in 2009. Their ISML careers are also similar, with C.C. currently with 100 career wins and a best season finish of 8th place in 2008, and Holo currently with 108 career wins and a best season finish of 13th place in 2009. This round will mark the third time they have faced each other in an ISML head-to-head match. Their first encounter was in 2008 during Aquamarine round 2 with Holo emerging victorious by a close 34-vote margin. And going into Amethyst round 6 last year, they were tied with a period record of (3-2) and an overall record of (14-9). And while Holo again emerged victorious, C.C. is hoping that this year will be different. Will C.C. force the wolf deity to acquiesce, or will Holo bite the witch a third time?

Note: I used both the statistics on each contestants' bio page as well as the archived pages as sources for this. But I wasn't sure whether to include C.C.'s overtime wins during the 2008 season when adding up her total ISML career wins (as I wasn't sure if the rules concerning tiebreaker matches had changed since then) so I didn't.

Her overtime win should included in her career win total.

[Momento10]

Sawachika Eri (School Rumble) vs. Sonozaki Mion (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)
沢近 愛理 (スクールランブル) vs. 園崎 魅音 (ひぐらしのなく頃に)

Spoiler:

These two competitors actually have similar personalities and backgrounds. On one side, you have Sawachika Eri, a beautiful high school girl who comes from a wealthy family. Despite her high status and good looks, Eri is actually lonely and seeking for love of someone who is close to her. Due to family circumstance, she rarely meets her parents, and even if they were to visit her, they would soon leave in the next few hours. Even with these troubles, Eri manages to put a smile on her face towards her friends so they would not have to worry about her and continue on with their fun and daily activities. On the other side, you have Sonozaki Mion, a stunning class president with a leader-like personality. Mion comes from the Sonozaki family, who has a big influence over Hinamizawa. Although she has had many conflicts with her family, she is able to hide of what happened to her a few minutes ago to her friends. Because many students look up to her, Mion makes sure that she does not waver and act calmly. Both of these characters have actually collided heads with each other twice: however, Eri defeated Mion during both occasions, and Mion has not made a comeback yet. With these two maiden's pride at stake here, can Mion make this third match her victory, or will Eri push her back once again, making the score 0-3 for Mion?

[hinakatbklyn]

#16 Hiiragi Kagami (21-9 / 1-1) Vs. C.C. (15-15 / 2-0)

Spoiler:

Two challengers started the regular season very slow, but are now picking up the pace to a point where even the opponents who are in the top 16 don't want to challenge either one. Kagami has been winning easy matches, but early on she had trouble with the tough opponents including those in the top 16. Fortunately for her, she started to regain the support that has led her to two consecutive top 10 rankings in ISML. But to prove that she is back in the race for the top 16 this year, she had to beat a top 16 challenger. Hitagi ended up being that opponent. Since then, she has not looked back and she is currently in the top 16. However she can't relax just yet. C.C. is also a previous top 16 representative from 2008 and is looking to reclaim her status as a contender. She has alot of work to do if she wants to make it this year. She started out much slower than her opponent and as a result has the same number of wins and loses. But if her previous victory over Holo is any indication, her record can be very deceiving. She isn't relying on her series to pick up support, but she is picking up new support with the anticipation of a new season. One star continues to be lucky but another is looking to be better late than never. Both are looking to reclaim their fame, but only one will continue on their path to the top.

[Momento10]

Shiina Mafuyu (18-12, 1-1) vs. Shiina Minatsu (15-15, 2-0)

Spoiler:

Out of all of the Seitokai No Ichizon characters, only Chizuru has been able to go this far into the competition, but lost to another hot newcomer, Senjōgahara Hitagi, in the Sapphire period. Now, Shiina Minatsu has achieved the same level in this period and is planning to go even further than the Secretary of the Student Council. However, the person she has to go through in order to continue her pursuit to the emerald necklace is her own sister, Shiina Mafuyu. Mafuyu, despite not being able to go this far, has beaten more veterans than her elder sister; however, defeating everyone in a sitting has been proven hard for her to do. On the other hand, Minatsu has already defeated two opponents and is planning on continuing forward, even if she has to pass her sister to obtain something she wants. Who will win in this battle with sisterly love: a girl whose fond of video games and boy's love or a girl with a burning passion and fond of action and fighting?

[Mandarin]

#7 Nakano Azusa (27-4, 3-0) vs. #3 Shana (30-1, 3-0)

Spoiler:

If there's one girl that's looking hotter than ever in the race before the Double Elimination Tournament lately, that girl would have to be Nakano Azusa. After a convincing win against Saber in Sapphire 3 and going undefeated that period, Azusa is looking to do the same again in Emerald and claim her first necklace in ISML. However, she faces a rather difficult challenge before that can happen. Shana is definitely no pushover, with arguably the most consistent performance than any other girl in ISML to date and successfully defending her Sapphire Necklace, she's also looking to go for back-to-back necklace wins in Emerald. So will the rising star guitarist send another veteran out of contention of the Emerald necklace or will Azusa become the Flame Haze's 31st victim in the race towards the necklaces?

#12 Fujibayashi Kyō (24-7, 3-0) vs. #14 Sanzen'in Nagi (22-9, 2-1)

Spoiler:

With less than 18 rounds until the end of the Regular season, the competition to obtain one of the final spots which round out the Top 16 remain very fierce. Nagi is one of those girls who holding onto one of the final spots currently, but with 6 girls merely separated by a difference of 3 wins, Nagi can't afford to suffer a loss today against Kyō. Kyō, although being ranked 12th, remains comfortably within the top 16 with a couple of more wins than Nagi, but she'd like to gain higher ground in the rankings with a win should she want a better ranking and perhaps advance further in the Double Elimination Tournament this year. Only one of these girls can defend their position in the Top 16 at the expense of the other - but will it be the one who wields dictionaries or the one who holds all the money that does it today?

[Momento10]

#6 Nagato Yuki (28-3, 3-0) vs. #11 Sengoku Nadeko (24-7, 3-0)

Spoiler:

At least three members will be kicked off from the hunt to the Emerald Necklace, and this match is no exception. Hot newcomer, Sengoku Nadeko, is definitely on a role here in this period. After three consecutive wins, she finds herself only second to becoming the main character to obtaining the Emerald Necklace. In order to keep on her winning streak, she has to go through a major veteran of the ISML league, Nagato Yuki. Yuki, the current Amethyst Necklace holder, is certainly no pushover when it comes to obtaining necklaces. This period, however, she seems to be performing slower than usual. If Nadeko is able to defeat Yuki, she may be able to find herself as the top member of the Emerald period and may have a chance to obtain the necklace itself. As the first match of Round unfolds, is Nakedo able to pull off such a feat, or will Yuki put out her hot and running streak?

#4 Misaka Mikoto (29-2, 3-0) vs #13 Hirasawa Yui (23-8, 3-0)

Spoiler:

After slow performances in both the Amethyst and Sapphire period, Mikoto has found herself back on track this period. She is currently the leader for the hunt for the Emerald necklace, similar to her performances in Aquamarine and Topaz. In both occasions, Mio bypassed Mikoto to become the Aquamarine necklace holder, and Mikoto lost to Hinagiku, allowing Taiga to obtain the Topaz necklace. If Mikoto wants to stay as the leader and obtain the Emerald Neckalce, she needs to be firm in the first place spot. However, there are girls who are just as hungry to have their first necklace. Her opponent, Yui, just happens to be one of those girls. Yui would certainly like nothing more that to get her hands on a necklace. Like Mio, she is willing to do whatever to takes to grab a necklace and show it off to Mio and the rest of the K-ON! community. Can the guitar prodigy bring the house down today, of will the electric girl give off a shocking performance of her own?

[maglor]

Please tell me anything that might make the following writeup better.

The Singing Legends Duel

Lynn Minmay ( Macross ) vs Tokimatsuri Eve ( Megazone 23 )
린 민메이 ( 마크로스 ) 대 토키마츠리 이브 ( Megazone 23 )
リン・ミンメイ ( 超時空要塞マクロス ) vs 時祭 イヴ ( メガゾーン23 )
林明美 ( 超时空要塞 ) vs 時祭 若芙 ( 無限地帶23/ traditional , 无限地带23 / simplified )



Today's exhibition competitors have been responsible for the success of multiple venues in anime industry: Lynn Minmay for Anime Music and voice actor concerts, and Eve for the OVA, the straight to the video market animes, and the cyber or virtual singers/Idols. The moment when Britai turned his ship around in the middle of Minmay's song broadcast is considered as the moment anime music industry matured into economic force to be reckoned with. The scene where the EVE program corrected her virtual avatar's choreography is considered as the moment the virtual idols were born. Lynn Minmei can be considered to be the progenitor of all the singing characters in anime today, while Eve is the progenitor of Vocaloids and also likely to be the inspiration for the character 'Oracle' in the movie 'Matrix', as well as other benevolent artificial intelligent beings in anime that came after Megazone 23. While both characters have had awesome music-video-like moments that were integral to their series' plotlines and shared many other similarities, their own moods and attitudes are different. Minmay is sometimes naive, flirtatious, and generally cheerful, while Eve is all-knowing and serious, carrying the weight of the future on her shoulders. In this match, voters should take into consideration that Eve has a greater number and variety of hit songs and is a superior dancer as well. Please research these two worthy heroines and hear their songs before you vote.


Korean intro:
마크로스의 린 민메이 대 메가존 23의 이브 : 노래의 전설은?


린 민메이는 애니 음악 시장의 규모를 바꾼 인물로 여러 성우 이벤트나 특매품, 드라마 CD 시장을 개척한 애니메이션 경제 역사상 비교대상이 거의 없는 인물입니다. 이런 민메이와 비교될 수 있는 몇 안되는 존재 중 하나가 이브로, 새로운 애니 판매 유형인 OVA 시장 개척과 동양에서의 사이버 또는 버츄얼 아이돌의 꿈을 개척했다는 점에서 무시할 수 없는 여주인공입니다. 극장판 마크로스에서 브리타이가 자신의 함정을 선회하는 장면은 애니 음악의 새 시대를 여는 장면으로 해석할 수 있고, 메가존 23의 1부에서 EVE 프로그램이 자신의 안무를 수정하는 장면은 애니 사상 인공지능의 새로운 지평선을 연 진정한 버츄얼 아이돌의 탄생시점이라 할 수 있습니다. 두 인물은 서로 여러 모로 닮아 있지만, 그들의 후예는 크게 다릅니다. 민메이가 후대 많은 가수나 노래하는 인물들의 선조라 한다면, 이브의 경우 많은 인공지능체들의 선조라 할 수 있으며 최근 등장한 보컬로이드의 진정한 원류라 할 수 있습니다. 한편, 이 두 인물의 성격 역시 달라서 민메이는 순진하고 장난기 있는 인물인 반면, 이브는 미래의 무게를 짊어지고 있는 고뇌하는 인물이라 할 수 있습니다. 덧붙여 두 명 중에 이브쪽이 성공한 악곡의 수도 더 많으며 노래 분위기와 안무의 종류도 더 다양하다는 평가도 있었으며, 또 어떤 이는 민메이는 주제가로 성공했고 이브는 음반으로 성공했다고 말하기도 합니다. 메가존 23의 경우, 작품안의 여러 요소가 이후의 여러 대중매체에 영향을 주었고, 그 대표적인 예가 영화 'The Matrix'이며, 이 영화에서 인간에게 우호적인 인공지능체들은 이브를 연상하게 합니다. 직접 충분히 조사하여 보시고 이 둘중 한명을 고르시면 감사하겠습니다.

Thanks to my wife for numerous corrections to my Korean Write up.

[hinakatbklyn]

(It's late, I know).

Furakawa Nagisa (21-12 / 4-1) vs #3 Shana (32-1 / 5-0)

Spoiler:

Prior to Emerald, the current top 16 have beaten all who stood in their way including the challengers who are on the outside looking in. However, some challengers have decided not to wait for their moment and are now going after the top. Nagisa is one of the few challengers who is looking to make a late push to reach the top 16. She may be very shy and settles for what she has at times, but with extra help, even she will set goals for herself and exceed them. She may be outside the top 16 at the moment, but she made a big statement that she wants to be on top as well by beating a current top 16 representative in Hitagi during Emerald. If she wants to reach the DE tournament at the end of the season, she will have to beat many more top challengers. Beating her next challenger Shana may be her biggest test yet. Unlike Nagisa, the flame haze is already in position to reach the tournament and is setting much higher goals by winning the tiara. What she is worried about is that there are new challengers to ISML who are looking to pass her as well. She already suffered her only loss to one of the new challengers Mio during Amethyst and just barely beat another new challenger Azusa during Emerald. She may be in position to win the Emerald necklace, but if she's not careful, not only could she lose to tough competition, she could also lose to those who are starting to get tough. Will the flame haze burn away her competition or will determination help Nagisa overcome a huge obstacle in front of her on her way to the top.

[Crisu]

That's okay; I was late, too. >_>

[minhtam1638]

Is it okay to say that I hate summer school? Anyway, Emerald 7 matches.

Spoiler for "#3 Shana (33-1, 6-0 SDO 51) vs. #11 Fujibayashi Kyō (27-7, 6-0 SDO 33)":

When Shana was handed her first lost by a mere newcomer, nobody saw that coming. Nor did anybody see this coming either. As if Shana's large list of accomplishments in the Saimoe Circuit isn't enough, she's en route to winning two consecutive necklaces in a row, a feat that only Suzumiya Haruhi was able to pull off, and to do that, the three-time necklace winner will have to pull off a not so easy victory against former two-time necklace winner Fujibayashi Kyō, whom is fighting for her life to stay in the race for the necklace hunt. While Kyō has never defeated Shana in Saimoe history, and current statistics don't indidcate that it would happen tonight, keep in mind that stranger things do happen in ISML. Will a master dictionary cannon pull off her first major upset versus a flame haze, or will ISML's all time leading necklace-winner add another one to her collection?

Spoiler for "#5 Misaka Mikoto (32-2, 6-0 SDO 45) vs. #1 Akiyama Mio (34-0, 6-0 SDO 42)":

It's amazing how one match between a well-respected veteran and a hot on heels newcomer could divide such a rift between the entire ISML roster. In addition to the bottom half of the roster, whom are battling only for the sake of pride, you have Akiyama Mio, the pro-Mios, and the anti-Mios. Misaka Mikoto is definitely anti-Mio - despite coming into the last match of Aquamarine ranked #1, she lost out on the Aquamarine neckalce to Mio despite winning against Aisaka Taiga. Now this his her chance to not only extract revenge, but to gift-wrap to the instrumentalist something none of Mio's previous opponents have ever done - a loss in the most prestigious tournament in the Saimoe circuit, and the timing cannot be more perfect; the last time a competitor rode an undefeated streak so far into the season was Suzumiya Haruhi's historic (44-0) run, and she blew it in the Emerald finale. Will Mio continue her hot streak, or will Mikoto finally make the new girl fall in line?

Spoiler for "#2 Katsura Hinagiku (34-0, 6-0 SDO 39) vs. #8 Saber (29-5, 6-0 SDO 42)":

Somebody who's anti-Mio is more likely to be pro-Hinagiku, and vice versa. However, keep in mind that even though Mio took the spotlight away from pre-season favorite Shana and put it on herself, the defending Tiara champion and one-time necklace winner has been silently tacking on wins to her own merit since a serious run at the Topaz necklace two months ago. Now, three weeks before a major showdown for Ruby, Hinagiku gets a breather as she faces Saber, a contestant that was a feared competitor midseason but has since shown only enough to be a potential midcarder. It's been a scary long time since Fate/Stay Night had much material, so credit Saber for hanging on with the current mainstream competitors, but if she wants to prove to be a serious threat for this or a future necklace, perhaps even the final tiara, then she has to give it her all to defeat the defending champion. Will Saber pull this off or will Hinagiku take an easy win on her way to two of the biggest matches of her life?

[hinakatbklyn]

I don't think I could do a better job with Mio / Mikoto, so I'll look for another match

#6 Nagato Yuki (31-3 / 6-0 SDO 45)vs #4 Aisaka Taiga (32-2 / 6-0 SDO 42)

Spoiler:

Our next two challengers have already proven that they can contend with the elite and they each have necklaces this year to prove it. While they have their sights set on winning the tiara, they both still have an outside chance at winning a second necklace. For Yuki, it's business as usual. On the outside she doesn't show much emotion. However, as long as she gets her job done, she doesn't have to worry about getting excited. What she is worried about is not winning another necklace, but winning the tiara that has eluded her for the past two years. Her opponent Taiga is also looking to win a tiara this year, but unlike her opponent, she also has her sights set on getting back at Yuki for her previous defeats in ISML 2009, which includes one defeat in last year's DE tournament. Her rage may have helped her get far, but stronger opponents found a way to exploit that weakness and won their match. She realized that if she was going to make it further, she had to calm down and relax. She did just that and she ended up winning J-Saimoe last year. However deep down, she still wants to take down the opponent who has humbled her more than once. Can Taiga finally claw her way to victory, or will Yuki use all of her intelligence to outsmart her opponent yet again.

[Momento10]

Tōsaka Rin (23-11, 4-2) vs. #15 Fate Testarossa (24-10, 5-1)

Spoiler:

These two girls have something bigger to worry about instead of obtaining the emerald necklace. With only six weeks left and fourteen more matches to go, these girls need to make a spot for themselves in the Top 16 as soon as possible. Despite the amount of wins she obtained, Rin still has not been able to make it back to the Top 16 after dropping off from it. If Rin wants to make a big comeback and reclaim her spot in the top 16, she would have to defeat major characters of this season to obtain her spot. Her opponent today may be both the stepping stone to reclaiming her spot and the biggest obstacle she would have.The 2008 Tiara Winner barely managed to make it back to the Top 16 a few rounds ago. She is still in the Top 16, but is only in the margin line area. She will have to keep on winning her matches if she does not want to fall back outside of the Top 16. These girls are desperate in finding their place in the Top 16. Can Rin find her place back to the Top, or will Fate push her down even more?

#12 Sengoku Nadeko (26-8, 5-1) vs. #16 Senjōgahara Hitagi (24-10, 3-3)

Spoiler:

Trouble is written all over the air as these two characters square off against each other. Although these two are not in the hunt for the Emerald necklace, these two are more concerned with their overall performance throughout the season. Currently, the rankings of each of them are twelve and sixteen respectively. If Nadeko were to win this match, she would be able to remain in the Top 16 and knock Hitagi out of the Top !6. Nadeko seems to the the favorite in this match in terms of cuteness. However, with the new episode appearing, Hitagi may gain a significant boost for this match-up. If Hitagi wins, she would be able to remain in the Top 16 along with everyone else. Which of these two rival characters of Bakemonogatari will win this round: a snake or a crab?

@minhtam - For Shana vs Kyou, I believe Haruhi was the first and only girl who was able to obtain both Ruby and Diamond in 2008 back-to-back.

[minhtam1638]

@minhtam - For Shana vs Kyou, I believe Haruhi was the first and only girl who was able to obtain both Ruby and Diamond in 2008 back-to-back.

... damn, I forgot about that. Thanks for the heads-up.

[maglor]

#5 Misaka Mikoto (32-2, 6-0 SDO 45) vs. #1 Akiyama Mio (34-0, 6-0 SDO 42) Supplementary

In this match, we have 2 of the most talked about characters in the last 6 month. The contrast between the two are many: Mikoto is very confident girl, willing to brave scary opponents for justice, while Mio is someone likely to be shy when away from her friends who gets scared easily. Series wise, Mikoto's series is that of Science fiction packed with mystery and action, while K-On is a laid back Situational Comedy where the fiercest action is that of a teacher scolding her pupils. Finally, the fact that these two are from the two biggest studios in the ISML may also have some meaning as well. Despite all that difference, both girls are well meaning and caring girls, both of whom will go a great length to help her friends in need, and they both have some tsundere streak in them as well. It is also possible that this match be the first of many matches between the two this year, as these 2 are among the most oft mentioned characters for this year's final for Korea Best Moe and Japan Saimoe. Let's see who will win the first one to one match between them for this year.

[Crisu]

Thanks for all the descriptions. Some editing was needed. minhtam should also check his "who vs. whom" rules.