Meeting Hanwha Life Esports again in a context where hopes were somewhat restored after the victory over Dplus KIA, T1 still hasn’t fully reassured their fans. Especially, HLE is currently playing very tightly, and no one knows if T1 can counter HLE’s disciplined playstyle. Nevertheless, experts still highly evaluate T1 based on what they demonstrated in the match against DK. And in a match between two teams that are almost evenly matched, explosive moments from both teams are also promised.
Responding to audience expectations, the lower bracket finals between HLE and T1 turned out to be incredibly tense and exciting right from game 1. T1 led for most of game 1 but after a mistake from Oner and Zeus, HLE completely turned the game around. However, the remaining 3 games showcased a “terrifying” T1. They were able to trade objectives and snowball carefully. More importantly, T1’s special picks showed effectiveness even when pressured early on. And the shining performance of all 5 members brought home a final victory of 3-1 for T1.
However, T1’s performance was not without its blemishes. Right after the disappointing loss in the first game, along with the following 3 games demonstrating dominance, T1 showed that they could quickly resolve issues. Nevertheless, the audience must also send T1 a request: “If you want to beat Gen.G, please just drop Twisted Fate. Ban it or do something. But absolutely never let Zeus play Twisted Fate again.”
Indeed, the champion Twisted Fate is often used to win lanes, possessing the passive “gold hack” as well as pushing lanes extremely quickly. But if the team cannot impose control, then Twisted Fate becomes a weakness. This champion is too fragile, dealing damage cannot be continuous and only has the ultimate Destiny to escape if ganked. That is too little, and in fact, HLE always forced fights, making it impossible for Twisted Fate to push towers and often leaving T1 at a manpower disadvantage.
In the remaining 3 games, T1 chose more useful champions for Zeus and immediately saw results. This may also be a secret that helps T1 carefully consider their choices in the more important match against the stronger opponent Gen.G in the upcoming finals.