T1 entered the match against Nongshim RedForce on 20/02 (Vietnam time) as part of the LCK Spring 2022 with the goal of securing a victory. First, to have a smooth start to the second round, and secondly, to certainly achieve the goal of 10 consecutive victories that the team set out when preparing to face Gen.G Esports a few weeks ago.
However, a fully equipped NS lineup proved they were not an “easy target” for T1. In game 1, both teams had a fairly tense confrontation, and the match progressed rather slowly. However, with the Wind Dragon Soul, T1 gained a significant advantage over NS. Although they allowed NS to secure the first Baron, Faker and his teammates still executed their strategy as planned. T1 acquired a second Baron and the Elder Dragon, concluding the game with a victory of 1-0.
However, in game 2, NS unexpectedly rallied while T1 players seemed to play rather carelessly. Notably, while in game 1, Dread’s Hecarim only dealt 800 damage, in game 2, he became the MVP of the match. Dread’s Sonic Wave – Resonating Strike plays helped NS come back in the game. Especially, the Dragon’s Rage kick on Gumayusi near the Baron pit officially allowed NS to pull ahead of T1. Ultimately, both teams had to take the match to a decisive game 3.
Moving to the decisive game 3, “nephew” Gumayusi surprisingly activated “unstoppable mode” and T1 dominated nearly all aspects, from laning to team fighting. After having so much advantage in hand, T1 no longer played carelessly as in game 2. The decisive skirmish at the Dragon pit in minute 27 resulted in all 5 NS members falling, effectively ending this team’s hopes. T1 officially achieved their 10th consecutive victory at LCK Spring 2022.
With this victory, T1 had a very favorable start to the second round. At the same time, Faker and his teammates are also showing their form and resilience because this is not the first time T1 has been equalized but still won in the decisive game. Additionally, Gumayusi is increasingly proving that he and Keria are indeed the strongest bot duo in the LCK, and even on the global stage at this moment. If they maintain their good performance, although playoffs still await after the group stage, one could say that T1 is already touching the championship of LCK Spring 2022.