posted by Olucaron,
By a score of 3-0, EHOME Dota 2 takes the Asia Pro League Grand Final! 🏆
— EHOME (@EHOMECN) October 15, 2018
gg to TNC. Thanks to our sponsors and fans for your support, here's to more successes from our Dota 2 squad as this season continues. pic.twitter.com/yMRwdxjNNK
A meeting of the top two sides
The Grand Final was ultimately a battle between the tournament’s two strongest teams, after both had won their groups. TNC Predator earned their spot in the Playoffs with an 11-1 record, the best of anyone, while EHOME edged DeathBringer Gaming after equal 9-3 records.
However, the final was as one-sided as it could have been, regardless of how the individual games went. Game 1 was the shortest, clocking in at just under 40 minutes, with Game 2 a similar 41 minutes. Although back-and-forward, EHOME eventually seized control.
With TNC needing a reverse sweep, they showed great character in Game 3. Despite twice facing almost-18k deficits, they came back to lead thanks to a big showing from Armel Paul 'Armel' Tabios. However, EHOME proved to be just too strong in the end, one final teamfight ending TNC’s hopes.
EHOME survive early loss to seize the crown
After their table-topping show, EHOME suffered a damaging defeat to fellow Chinese side Invictus Gaming. In losing 2-1 they were sent to the Lower Bracket, meaning they would need to go on a good run to keep their hopes alive.
That’s exactly what they did. First they swept OB Esports x Neon 2-0, then took down DeathBringer 2-1 to book a spot in the Lower Bracket Finals. There, they got their revenge over Invictus, taking them down 2-0 to seal their spot in the Grand Final.
Our late game run was not enough as EHOME goes on to take the Asia Pro League tournament 3-0. Congratulations and well played to them.
— TNC Predator (@TNCPredator) October 15, 2018
Thank you for supporting us and God bless!#RiseofthePhoenix#SummonYourStrength#NimoTV pic.twitter.com/pzdZxnZQXP
So close yet so far for TNC
It was a tough end to proceedings for TNC Predator, who were looking to win their first title since rebuilding their roster in the off-season following the departures of Marc Polo Luis 'Raven' Fausto and Samson E. 'SamH' Hidalgo.
However, since the additions of Kim Villafuerte 'Gabbi' Santos and Michael 'ninjaboogie' Ross they have been looking strong, and they now have The Kuala Lumpur Major to look forward to.
Header image © Beyond the Summit
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