T1’s Disastrous Defeat
Entering the second match of the playoffs, T1’s opponent was Hanwha Life Esports – a currently strong team that finished second in the LCK Summer 2024 group stage. Notably, in both previous encounters in the group stage, T1 was also defeated. Moreover, HLE demonstrated a gameplay that was just as perfect as Gen.G. During the last group stage, aside from two losses to Gen.G, they only lost two more matches (to Dplus KIA and KT Rolster), but the scores when HLE faced these opponents were also ties.
In reality, the match between T1 and HLE exceeded many people’s expectations. They displayed weakness against the group stage runners-up. Ultimately, after just three games, T1 was defeated with an unimaginable score of 0-3. This loss does not end T1’s ambitions in this domestic tournament. However, the performance of the players is truly concerning. In the recent match against HLE, the lack of cohesion between Faker and Oner was pointed out as a crucial reason for T1’s defeat.
T1’s Key Duo Inferior to HLE’s Pair
It is evident in the match against HLE that T1’s key duo, Faker – Oner, performed significantly worse than the pair of Zeka – Peanut. Specifically, in Oner’s position, there were multiple instances where Peanut outplayed Oner with movements that not only “read” the opponent but were also far more proactive. A prime example is when Peanut and HLE ganked Gumayusi, and “Little Bean” even passed right in front of Oner, who was unable to react in time.
The defeat against HLE is not a catastrophe yet, as T1 still has a chance with Dplus KIA in the lower bracket. However, the reality is that T1’s issues will still persist, and they need to address them quickly. Otherwise, the loss against HLE will not be T1’s first defeat in the playoffs, and even their chances for the 2024 World Championship could be severely threatened.