Liam thanked Chuck and his parents.
***
Before too to long, the month before the tournament came and went. Being the reigning champion, Shiranui had no reason to be entered into the tournament, as he would face the winner, provided they also beat the Elite Four. Over five days, the 342 contestants had been dwindled down to eight.

[list]
[*] Liam Coleman
[*] Paul
[*] Mike Fetar
[*] Chuck North
[*] Conway
[*] Harrison
[*] Nando
[*]Virgil
 [/list]

The eight were shuffled into the following match ups for full six-on-six battles

[list]
[*] Harrison vs Nando
[*] Mike Featar vs Paul
[*] Liam Coleman vs Conway
[*] Chuck North vs Virgil
[/list]

Harrison managed to defeat Nando, although Krikitune and Roserade made it difficult for him. Harrison advanced having all but Blaziken knocked out.

[list]
[*] Harrison vs [s]Nando[/s]
[*] Mike Featar vs Paul
[*] Liam Coleman vs Conway
[*] Chuck North vs Virgil
[/list]

Liam would also adjust his team for his next battle.