posted by Brasozial,
TNC Predator is definitely the new threat from South-East Asia. The Filipino squad had an incredible group stage performance and continue to show their skill in the Upper Bracket of the playoffs. Carlo 'Kuku' Palad and his team-mates started in the group of death and were supposed to be the underdogs facing OG, Ninjas in Pyjamas and PSG.LGD.



However, in the end TNC was the first squad to qualify for the Upper Bracket. TNC beat OG and Ninjas in Pyjamas finishing in first place. This is an important victory for the Filipinos: they're close to qualifying for The International 2019 directly.




One important aspect of TNC's uprising is their new coach: Soung-Gon 'Heen' Lee joined the Filipino squad in April 2019. The team is improving on a daily basis now - they're perfectly in shape for TI9.

TNC have their problems with RNG



In the Upper Bracket TNC had to face Royal Never Give Up. The Chinese squad beat Fnatic in the deciding game of Group A to qualify for the Upper Bracket as well.

In game one Kim Villafuerte 'Gabbi' Santos and Armel Paul 'Armel' Tabios were unstoppable on Ember Spirit and Sven. They had 19 kills together and died only four times.




While TNC never gave up control in game one, the second one was more intense. RNG and TNC were fighting on the same level. However, TNC didn't have the team fight ability they were hoping for. Leshrac, OD and Warlock on RNG's side were way better prepared for the late game. The result was inevitable: TNC didn't win any important team fights and had to call 'GG' after an hour.

Admir 'lizZard' Salkanović analyst that TNC lost their discipline that distinguishes them from other teams right now.




TNC can book their trips for TI9 after an incredible third game



TNC had the better start in the game: Kunkka and Juggernaut picked of different enemies several times. After 15 minutes TNC already had a 12-6 lead with a 5k gold advantage. Both cores did a lot of damage in the early and mid game.

RNG's hope was that Storm Spirit played by Gao 'Setsu' Zhenxiong could survive until the late game.



17 minutes into the game TNC already dived onto high ground. The perfect aggressive playstyle took the Chinese team off guard. The Filipinos proved that they can adapt quickly to their opponents. There was no chance for RNG to fight at all. They called 'GG' after just 18 minutes.




TNC is in the top 6 now and earned 900 DPC points - enough to qualify them for TI9 directly.

Vici kicks fng in the Lower Bracket



One more Chinese team played in the Upper Bracket today: Vici Gaming faced AS Monaco Gambit. Zhang 'Eurus' Chengjun and his team-mates had an incredible group stage performance and were able to also prove it into the playoffs by beating AS Monaco Gambit with




Artem 'fng' Barshack will have to prepare a gameplan for the Lower Bracket. Gambit will face NiP in the next game for elimination.



Which teams are going survive the second day of the playoffs?



Photo credit: ESL - Helena Kristiansson

  • Brasozial
    Brasozial

    Brasozial

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