Winner: Nodoka Haramura.

Yesterday saw the second quarterfinals bout of the year between two best friends and series rivals; Nodoka and Saki. This was easily seen as a dream match of sorts by many. For Nodocchi this would mean a third return appearance to the semifinals. (The last two years where she accomplished such a feat was in 2009, against Taiga; and 2010, against Azunyan.) For Saki this would signify an even impressive current campaign run as her last two main draw exhibitions only saw her reach as high as R3. On paper, the odds would clearly be in favor of the traditional series ace Nodoka. However, one shouldn’t count Saki out just yet. She surprised everyone by defeating the fan favorite Koromo in the previous round. Not only that, it just happens to be her birthday as well. Anything can happen.

Quarterfinals II – Results:

  • 1位　192票　Haramura Nodoka @ Saki: Achiga-hen – Episode of Side-A
  • 2位　178票　Miyanaga Saki @ Saki: Achiga-hen – Episode of Side-A

Well, make that 3 semifinal appearances in all three of her main draw attempts. That’s one hell of an amazing record Nodocchi set today as she moves on to the semifinals! Her perseverance over the years lead her to this momentous occasion; garnering a vote tally of 192; about 14 more votes than Saki. Nodoka will now have to face off against Toki in the next round.

Moving on to the third quarterfinals matchup between the heavy hitting Matsumi sisters — which will surely get a lot of people talking — I’ll be supporting Yuu. Good luck to your favorite.

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Next Round | Quarterfinals III:

  • Matsumi Kuro @ ｢Saki｣ VS. Matsumi Yuu @ ｢Saki｣

*my pick: Yuu
*my prediction: Kuro

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Schedule:

  • 10/26~10/29 – Quarterfinals
  • 10/30 – Break
  • 10/31~11/1 – Semifinals
  • 11/2 – Break
  • 11/3 – Grand Finals

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Saimoe “Best 8″ Bracket: (courtesy of Aya Reiko)


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[Full Bracket]