Aside from having a Gym Peak Torterra, Paul actually also has a Gym Advanced Electivire, which wasn't mentioned in any of the intel.
Online information about Paul stops at the Gym Advanced level for Torterra. It was known he had an Electabuzz, but judging by online estimates, its level should only be around Professional Peak to Gym Beginner Level.
In reality, not only did his Electabuzz evolve into an Electivire, but it also has Gym Advanced strength. This is considerably far from the intel provided; believing in that intel would be a mistake for life.
Ah Qin successfully forced Paul to reveal one of his cards, giving Ash a clearer understanding of Paul's strength. However, that was the end of it, as Paul's Electivire wiped out Ah Qin's Pokemon and strategy.
Compared to the slow-moving Torterra, Electivire, though also quite large, is incredibly agile, so the strategy of trading damage with target shots doesn't work on Electivire.
Like Ash, Paul also demonstrated a two-on-six spectacle, and even more impressively, Paul didn't have a single Pokemon lose the ability to fight.
Moreover, the two Pokemon Paul sent out didn't sustain much damage either—probably not even losing half their physical strength.
This led to outside speculation slowly leaning towards Paul winning the championship.
Even though Ash has a precedent for defeating Elite level opponents, his performance in the Quartz Conference isn't as impressive as Paul's. Even if Ash used MEGA Evolution and has the much-discussed Annihilape, it doesn't necessarily reflect Ash's own skill level.
We can only say Ash is creative, but in terms of strength and expression, he is somewhat weaker than Paul.
Looking at Paul's journey from top sixteen to top four, he mainly used only Torterra before the semifinals, only using one more Pokemon in the semifinals. In contrast, Ash typically had a heavily injured Pokemon from the top sixteen to the top four.
In terms of performance, Ash is still a bit behind Paul. Past glories don't last forever, and defeating an Elite once doesn't necessarily mean he has Elite-level power now, right?
This is the prevailing opinion outside, though it only occupies half the conversation; the other half vehemently criticizes them.
Those who say Ash's performance lags behind Paul must consider the Pokemon Ash has been using—Blastoise, Lucario, Annihilape—none of which appeared in previous battles against Elites.
When it comes to performance... take a look at that MEGA Gardevoir. If it weren't for the league's barrier (their claim), many believe Gardevoir's move might have devastated the whole arena!
Why isn't performance mentioned in these situations?
As for Pikachu, Charizard, and that mysterious Bulbasaur, Ash so far has either not used them or not unleashed their true power.
Pikachu and Charizard only appeared in the battle against Ah Hong and in the initial match, and they knocked out their opponents in a single move, leaving no room to showcase their strength. So, how can anyone say Ash's performance is inferior to Paul's?
It might be more appropriate to say Ash is better at hiding his true capabilities!
The two opinions are fiercely debated online, while Ash and his group are enjoying a feast prepared by Delia at home, celebrating Ash's entry into the finals. Delia and her Mr. Mime prepared a table full of dishes, letting everyone indulge heartily.
Although Gary lost his match, he still attended the celebratory dinner, claiming he played a third of the role in Ash making it to the finals. If he hadn't lost, Ash wouldn't have advanced, right?
So he enjoys this feast without any burden.
After eating their fill and drinking, Ash and Misty sat outside in the yard, looking up at the moon, as Gary and Professor Oak had already left, promising to return to cheer for Ash tomorrow and letting him rest well for now.
Brock went to do the dishes, and Delia watched TV in the living room, leaving only Ash, Misty, Togepi, and Pikachu outside.
"The finals are tomorrow. How are you feeling?" Misty turned her head towards Ash, asking.
She had been by Ash's side since he started his journey, watching him grow from a naive boy to a strong Trainer. The young boy who used to ask about attribute advantages is now standing on the stage to become the Champion, even if it's just the tournament Champion stage.
"How am I feeling? Pretty excited and thrilled, and a bit surreal," Ash said dreamily, supporting himself with his hands, gazing up at the clear moonlight.
Even others aside, Ash himself felt as if he was dreaming. In half a year, he reached the finals of the Quartz Conference in a dominant fashion. At the start of his journey, he wouldn't have dared to imagine such a thing.
Even though he spoke about becoming a Pokemon Master, he was well aware of his actual capabilities.
Despite his passion for Pokemon, his understanding of Pokemon theory and knowledge was a complete mess, and his only notable trait was his fitness. But who cares about physical fitness in Pokemon battles?