TnC beat VG.R in their first Lower Bracket Elimination Match
A monstrous performance by Marc Polo “Raven” Fausto on Terrorblade lead TnC to victory against Vici Gaming Reborn (VG.R) in their best-of-one elimination match at the Lower Bracket of The International 2016 (TI6).
Nothing less of a stellar team effort by the Pinoy squad saw them through in TI6’s ‘Lower Bracket of Death,’ as they overpower one of the Chinese qualifier winners. TnC drafted a lineup centered on a core duo of Terroblade for Raven and Tinker for Carlo “Kuku” Palad, backed up by Batrider for Sam “Sam_H” Hidalgo, Elder Titan for Nico “eyyou” Barcelon, and Silencer for Jimmy “DeMoN” Ho. VG.R responded with a tri-core of Weaver, Storm Spirit, and Axe, supported by Mirana and Vengeful Spirit.
The game started off with VG.R focusing their efforts on Sam H on Batrider, killing him three times, while Tinker on mid and Terrorblade on the safelane were able to farm freely. The game evened out when VG.R were able to kill Tinker repeatedly in teamfights, thereby allowing their carries, Weaver and Storm Spirit to come online. However, Raven’s Terrorblade was still able to farm freely and remained unchecked in teamfights. Raven started to turn the game around for his team in a clash at the 30-minute mark, when he wiped out VG.R after three of his teammates were already dead. TnC then took control of the game as they were able to repeatedly pick off VG.R’s Weaver and Storm Spirit, thanks to clutch Flaming Lassos by Sam H’s Batrider, Silences by Demon’s Silencer, and tremendous damage output by Raven’s Terrorblade. After winning a teamfight at the Roshan pit, TnC looked to push their opponent’s high-ground after picking off the enemy Weaver. After TnC were able to break into VG.R’s base, the Chinese team mustered a desperate final defense but was swept away by the Pinoy squad. After their Weaver unwittingly Shukuchi’d into a Lasso by Sam H and promptly melted by Raven, VG.R called the GG.
With their victory, TnC have secured at least a share 9th-12th place in the tournament and around a $300,000 cut of the prize pool. VG.R will go home with a bottom four placing and around $100,000 for their troubles. The Pinoy squad continues their domination of the Chinese teams in the tournament with their victory over VG.R, as they have previously swept top Chinese teams like Wings Gaming and LGD in the Group Stages.
Prior to winning against VG.R, TnC’s lifetime earnings numbered $54,907 or P2.5 million, they have just earned at least $356,489 or around P14 million with their victory.
The Pinoy squad has survived TI6’s ‘Lower Bracket of Death,’ with its treacherous best-of-one match format, and now move on to the 2nd round of the Lower Bracket with a much safer best-of-three match format. They will be facing two-time Major champions and tournament favorites OG, who were sent to the Lower Bracket by a rampaging MVP Phoenix. The last time the two teams faced was in the Group Stages, where OG swept TnC 2-0. The Pinoys will have to give the fight of their lives to go through this next opponent.
Stay tuned to eSports by Inquirer.net as we follow TnC in what could very well be the biggest match of their lives!
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