"Meganium could clearly still fight, so why did that guy A Kang forfeit?" Ash asked listlessly from the stands. He had rushed over after watching Misty's match, only to arrive just as Liu Qing's opponent conceded. After seeing Misty win, he had hoped to catch Liu Qing's battle too, so his disappointment was understandable.
"Accurately judging your Pokémon's condition is another skill a competent Pokémon Trainer needs. That Meganium could still fight, but do you think it could beat Liu Qing's two remaining Pokémon when both were still at full strength, Ash?" Brock paused, then added, "Besides, the preliminary round uses a round-robin format. That means A Kang still has a chance to reach the tournament as long as he wins his next match."
"That's true, Brock, but do you really think Liu Qing won't make it into the tournament? I think he'll win his next match easily too and advance with six points," Misty countered.
"That's possible too," Brock said with a nod.
"So after all that, you're just saying Liu Qing's definitely going to make it into the tournament, right? Misty and Liu Qing have both won their first match already. When it's my turn, I've got to win too!" Ash declared, brimming with fighting spirit.
"Liu Qing, your Honchkrow is really strong, but I'm not giving up my chance to reach the top sixteen. I'll do everything I can to beat my next opponent, then face you again!" On the field, A Kang shook hands with Liu Qing in a show of post-battle friendship. Clearly, the defeat hadn't discouraged him, and he issued another challenge.
"I look forward to it!" Liu Qing gave a faint, confident smile, then released A Kang's hand and left the field with Liu Yuan.
"Congratulations, big brother! You won your first match