(1)Cloud Strife vs (7)Ryu 2010

Ulti's Analysis
Ryu's streak of breaking 40% on Noble Niners ended with a massive thud this contest, in what could perhaps be seen as Cloud's best match this year. Ryu didn't lead during the board vote like most other characters would against Cloud, and got completely rocked afterwards. Cloud was 10 minutes away from breaking 66% on him, which is a thoroughly impressive performance given Ryu's moniker "Mister Consistency".

All that's left now is to get Ryu to complete the Noble Nine gauntlet. He still hasn't faced Link, Sephiroth or Mario. He's been in a match against the other 6, and got the prerequisite 42% against all but Cloud. 42% against Cloud, Link, Sephiroth and probably even Mario will be a tall order, but we can still get him to have matches against all nine members.