Tōkyō, Japan
  
Mizunashi Akari (4-40-1) vs. Remilia Scarlet (8-36-1)
1404 → 1820
These two girls came into ISML with a below-average performance, disgracing their proposed strength. Akari qualified for ISML via Korea with her 6th-place ranking. Remilia qualified for ISML via the 2009 Preliminaries. Both of these girls seemed to have a good future awaiting them. However, things have not swayed in their favor, as both girls are performing far below expected. Akari had a total record of 4-32 when Emerald started, already putting her below the .500 line for the season. Remilia, however, had a slightly brighter future, with a total record of 7-29, still on the positive side of the .500 line. At Emerald 2, Remilia was thought to have the upper hand, but an unexpected turn of events changed that. Akari and Remilia tied with 989 votes each. Now, these two will face each other once more to decide the true winner. Will Akari realize her mistakes and correct them? Or will Remilia make sure her opponent doesn't come back?
Manila, Philippines
  
Akiyama Mio vs. Nakano Azusa
1881 ← 1151
You could break down and debate both this match and the Yui vs. Ui match until the cows come home. The real story of these battles is that even with the ISML field shrinking from 64 to 50 qualifiers next year, there's a chance that all four of the K-ON girls would face each other in the 2010 regular season. The mere possibility of all four qualifiying serves as proof that when it comes to moe, the KyoAni Empire doesn't rebuild; they reload.
Jakarta, Indonesia
 
Miyanaga Saki vs. Haramura Nodoka
818 → 1284
Don't be surprised if we're analyzing this match during ISML 2010. While it won't count in the long run, don't think for a second that either girl won't go all-out for a win. While Saki's biggest strength is analyzing her opponents, Nodoka's talent is to ignore them and focus on the task at hand. This contrast of styles is sure to make for an epic encounter. Will Miyanaga tank her opponent's score with an incredible hand, or will Haramura steal the precious victory?
London, United Kingdom
 
Sanya V. Litvyak vs. Eila Ilmatar Juutilainen
1415 ← 871
In another match that could be a prelude to a showdown in ISML 2010, comrades Sanya and Eila square off. Like a cat, Litvyak is at her best when she can use her advanced stealth abilities to beat her opponents. She won't be able to do that here, as she will receive 100% of the foxy Juutilainen's attention. As well as these two know each other, this is shaping up to be the most intense dogfight either girl has ever experienced.
Tehran, Iran
 
Shishidō Akiha vs. Kannagi Itsuki
1012 ← 886
This is the first time these girls will face each other in any major moe tournament. Their first individual appearances were in the first round of Korea Best Moe, and unfortunately they did not perform as well as they had hoped. Itsuki ranked 12th in her group with a total of 93 votes, edging out the last ranked contestant by only 8 votes. Akiha did only slightly better, coming in 10th place with a total of 110 votes in her group. If either girl is to continue her saimoe career, she must perform much better, and the ISML stage here is a great new chance. Will Akiha be able to convince Itsuki to let her go? Or will Itsuki be able to see through her efforts and defeat Akiha?
Istanbul, Turkey
 
Okazaki Ushio vs. Kyon no Imōto
1565 ← 1432
This is Ushio's first year exposed to the fierceness of Saimoe, but Kyon's sister on the other hand is a little more experienced. Imōto-chan was welcomed into ISML 2008 by placing 16th in Korea Best Moe of 2006, but did not fare so well with a 15-48 record. However in 2009, she made quite a lot of appearances (or perhaps... endless appearances) in the second season of Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu, so her popularity could have a boost. Ushio will enjoy the strength of the current CLANNAD contestants, whose lowest-ranked member has an over-50% winning record. Will she follow the footsteps of her fellow CLANNAD contestants? Don't be fooled, because this match between Ushio and Kyon's sister will be a bit more heated than a friendly, cutesy contest.
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
 
Kyon vs. Lelouch Lamperouge
1280 → 1883
Kyon is currently the top-ranked male character in the prestigious Newtype rankings, narrowly edging Lelouch for the top spot. Lelouch has the advantage of being the reigning 4-time champion of the Animage Anime Grand Prix, while Kyon finished tied for third this year. Kyon was the champion of the Korean Best Moe: Male Division in 2007, but Lelouch was crowned champion in 2008. The two fought recently in Korean Super Best Moe 2008, which Lelouch the victor by over 2000 votes. Now on the ISML stage, Lelouch may seem to have the upper hand, but Kyon is receiving renewed support from the airing of new Suzumiya Haruhi episodes. Will he succeed in his revenge? Or will Lelouch outsmart Kyon once more?
Milano, Italy
 
Suō Tamaki vs. Okazaki Tomoya
875 → 1682
Okazaki Tomoya has a history of hanging tough, even when he's not 100%. Tomoya took this battle without hesitation, even with a bad shoulder. He's hoping that a win on the ISML battlefield would inspire his close partner Nagisa to make a final push to close out the regular season (she is currently tied with Hinagiku Katsura for the final spot in the double-elimination tournament). To get that win, he will have to go through Suō Tamaki. The self-proclaimed king is at his best when he's leading his group of merry men (well, mostly men) to success, but he will be all on his lonesome here. Will he fall to the motivated family man, or will the Bishonen from Bunkyo find a way to win?
Thanks to Cecaniah, amdrag, and KholdStare for contributing match descriptions.
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