In the post-World Championship 2020 transfer window, many teams in the LPL made notable roster additions. The most talked-about move was Nuguri joining FunPlus Phoenix. Another Korean player, Tarzan, also transitioned to the LPL, joining LNG Esports.
Meanwhile, the reigning world runner-up – Suning has parted ways with their captain SwordArt. This alone has raised many doubts about Suning’s strength in the upcoming LPL Spring 2021. According to LPL English commentator Hysterics, SofM and his teammates are only ranked 9th out of 17 teams participating in the upcoming Spring Split.
Hysterics: “Ranked 9th – Suning.
Top Lane – Bin.
Jungle – SofM.
Mid Lane – Angel.
Bot Lane – Jinjiao/Huanfeng.
Support – ON.
This is probably the team that is receiving the most attention right now. Suning is still the reigning world runner-up with 4 out of 5 members from the roster that achieved this feat. However, losing SwordArt means much more than just changing a support player.
Suning has lost a shot-caller and a voice strong enough to lead the entire team. This is a huge significance in a high-level team in the LPL. Therefore, I think Suning will be overwhelmed by other strong teams in the upcoming Spring tournament.
I also remember that Suning faced a lot of difficulties at this time last year. So I think the LPL Spring Split will limit Suning’s strength. If I overestimate SwordArt, then I would be happy to be wrong.”
Remember in the 2020 LPL Spring Split, Suning showed relatively poor form with only 7 victories throughout the group stage. This disappointing performance placed Suning 11th in the LPL Spring 2020 standings, failing to qualify for the playoffs. This history of underperformance in the LPL Spring Split makes Hysterics’ low evaluation of the team understandable.
Moreover, losing SwordArt also significantly affects Suning’s strength. This support player often made extremely smart rotations and opened up great opportunities for his teammates. SwordArt was like a navigator guiding the young players of Suning to victory. Without SwordArt, Suning will face considerable difficulties in adapting their gameplay.
Perhaps for SofM’s fans, their biggest hope is that Suning will quickly discover a suitable playstyle. With SwordArt having left the team, “Duy Cau Giay” is now seen as the eldest brother of Suning. Who knows, SofM might seize this opportunity to develop into an exemplary captain for Suning in the near future.
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