Perhaps all the formidable women in the Hoenn Region had gone off to compete in Pokémon Contests. Once the top eight were decided, they consisted of Liu Qing, Han Ye, Ash, Tetsuya, and four other male Pokémon Trainers.
"Ash, I didn't expect us to face each other so soon." At the Pokémon Center, Liu Qing looked at the first matchup displayed on the big screen and smiled at Ash. "Since that's how it is, let's have a battle tomorrow that leaves neither of us with any regrets."
"Right! You may be strong, Liu Qing, but my Pokémon and I will battle with all the guts we've got!" Ash declared passionately. Pikachu chimed in with several cries, refusing to be outdone. Liu Qing nodded slightly, then left the Pokémon Center with Liu Yuan and Han Ye, who had also finished checking the matchups.
"Ash, I think you'd better call Snorlax and Charizard back. Otherwise, tomorrow's battle..." Brock suggested, but Ash interrupted him before he could finish. "Brock, I decided long ago that I'd enter this tournament with the Pokémon I caught in the Hoenn Region. No matter who I face, I believe in Grovyle and the others. They won't let me down tomorrow." After hearing that, Brock nodded to himself and said no more.
"The second match of the third round of the Final Tournament will now begin! Both competitors hail from the Kanto Region: Ash from Pallet Town and Liu Qing from Saffron City! The first half will take place on the Ice Field. What Pokémon will they send out?" The night soon passed, and the first match ended with Tetsuya's Sceptile defeating his opponent's Rhydon with Solar Beam. As the commentator delivered his opening remarks, Liu Qing and Ash emerged from the competitors' tunnels and took their places at