Just a few days away, the first semifinal match of the World Championship (Worlds) 2022 will officially take place with a showdown between T1 and JD Gaming (JDG). This is considered the highlight match of the semifinals, as whichever team wins this matchup has a very high chance of claiming the championship. The reason is that both teams are currently performing excellently at the Worlds 2022 this time.
However, recent information has been revealed regarding JDG that has left many LPL fans feeling anxious. Specifically, JDG is unable to schedule practice with any teams. The previously eliminated LPL teams (EDward Gaming, Royal Never Give Up, TOP Esports) have all flown back home. Therefore, it can be said that leading up to the semifinal against T1, JDG’s players can only practice through ranked games.
The reason for this situation was revealed by Doinb himself. According to him, the scenario of 3 LCK teams facing 1 LPL team has put JDG in a position where they cannot find a team to practice with. This is because LCK teams can practice among themselves and have already grasped some of their opponent’s playstyles. Therefore, it will be very difficult for these teams to agree to practice with JDG as no team wants to “reveal their strategies.” Especially, the LCK is determined to reclaim the World Championship title after a year belonging to the LPL. For this reason, the chances of JDG finding a team to scrim with are even lower.
Doinb also mentioned that JDG does not want to reveal the strategies they will use in practice matches. Perhaps that is why JDG is not particularly keen on finding a team to practice with before the semifinals. However, Doinb reassured fans by stating that once they reach the semifinals, whether or not they practice is no longer important. The former World Champion of 2019 emphasized that maintaining form to prepare for the upcoming matches would be better for the teams.
As for the LPL fans, many opinions emphasize that players need to maintain their health. Because the break time between the remaining rounds of Worlds 2022 is quite long, and certainly, no one wants their team to face issues like EDG or RNG before. Furthermore, if they can overcome T1, JDG can completely base their preparation for the finals of Worlds 2022 on the results of their match as well as the Gen.G Esports – DRX match afterwards.