Video Study #4: Abel (Rico Suave) vs. Akuma (Tokido)

Just watched this awesome match from EVO 2010 between Rico Suave, a top Abel player in the US and Tokido, coined one of the best players in the world at this time. Both players certainly brought their A-game here but ultimately Tokido takes the game and match. Tokido really brings all there is to see from an Akuma, something which doesn't happen often.

Tokido absolutely dominates Rico in a majority of the matches and its easy to see why Abel has a really hard time against Akuma. Rico really has a hard time handling those st.HK from Akuma with no answers to it aside from well-timed EX TT and just plain blocking it. Even on block it still puts Akuma in a good position to continue pressuring Abel with no real fear of retribution.

Next up is the dreaded vortex. You see that all throughout the vid on Abel who has no real options to avoid this other then make some guesses. Between Demon Flip throws, attacks and ticks its almost impossible for Abel to come out of that unscathed.

The highlight of this match and the reason why Tokido dominated Rico in the later rounds was the Demon Flip - Ultra option select. If Abel back dashes or rolls, the Demon Flip hit misses and the ultra comes out. If Abel blocks, the ultra doesn't activate and he's free to continue the vortex. Abel is now forced to block every single Demon Flip hit giving him no alternative out of the vortex.

Highlights:
0:29 - Falling Sky used to charge meter while Akuma throws air fireballs.
0:37 - st.HK pressure from Akuma keeps Abel in the corner.
0:44 - Vortex on Abel with Demon Flips.
1:20 - EX TT used to catch start-up frames on st.HK
1:36 - From vortex to st.HK pressure.
1:50 - Air tatsu to sweep to get an untechable knockdown.
2:42 - Soulless catches Akuma on the back air fireball.
4:36 - The Demon Flip - Ultra option select catches Rico.