Contrary to predictions before the start of the LPL Summer 2022, LNG Esports is currently not performing well and is increasingly drifting away from the chance to win domestic titles as well as a spot in the 2022 World Championship. Although they kept the same players from Spring 2022, these names are not in good form, causing difficulties for LNG. Notably, the Mid Laner Doinb stands out among them.
A prime example is the match against EDward Gaming in the group stage of LPL Summer 2022 on the afternoon of July 26 (Vietnam time). In this match, LNG lost 0-2 to their opponents. Although EDG is still very strong, the reality is that LNG players seem to be more self-defeating.
Especially in game 2, when Ale, Light, and LvMao were not really effective, Doinb was unable to create a breakthrough alongside Tarzan. In fact, Doinb’s “Flash in place” play left the audience and commentators shocked, costing LNG a chance to attack.
Witnessing Doinb’s disappointing performance, many fans of LNG and the LPL community shared a common opinion: the 2019 World Champion has probably long passed his peak. More critical voices even suggested that Doinb should consider retiring as soon as this 2022 season concludes.
– “LNG is driving me crazy. Tarzan finally exploded, but the others in LNG really played poorly.”
– “Very disappointed with Doinb. He was clearly the number one in the world in Spring 2021, but now his performance is not even worthy of playing in the LPL.”
– “With Icon, we reached the World Championship finals, but with Doinb, we risk staying home. So who is really to blame?”
– “Doinb is probably the weakest player in LPL right now.”
In fact, Doinb was brought in to replace the “veteran” Icon and solve LNG’s issues, but he has not been able to contribute much. In Spring 2022, one could argue that he still needed time to adapt to his new teammates. But in Summer 2022, as of now, Doinb and LNG are in an even worse situation. However, in the match against EDG, it wasn’t just Doinb, but even other players, except Tarzan, did not perform well.
Even though Summer 2022 has only passed a little over half of the phase, and LNG still has the chance to make it to the playoffs, if Doinb and his teammates do not improve their performance soon, it is very likely that the “Jade Unicorn” will face a failed season.