Image via NiP
NiP bounced back from their shocking 2-0 loss to Virtus.Pro earlier today, with a commanding performance in the lower bracket against TNC Predator. The Filipino squad were unfortunately eliminated from the event going him with 900 DPC Points and $60,000 in prize money.
Game 1 saw NiP drafting a Phoenix-Axe combo for the first time at this event, poising themselves to play aggressively and dominate the mid game. TNC, on the other hand, got their hands on a Spectre, Weaver and Ember Spirit as their cores opting to go for late-game dominance. However, they quite simply got styled on by Mind_ControL’s Axe, which completely snowballed, finding kill after kill and making enough space for Fata’s Outworld Devourer and Ace’s Phantom Lancer to basically free farm.
NiP racked up 34 kills compared to TNC’s mere 8 and dominated every other aspect on their way to a powerful statement win in game one.
Game 2 was never really in question as NiP won all three lanes with an unorthodox Nature’s Prophet - Weaver supporting duo. They built up quite a large lead and consistently countered any offence TNC Predator tried to throw out, robbing them of all momentum. The match lasted just over 35 minutes and saw TNC Predator getting knocked out from the first Major of the season.
TNC Predator thus finish 6th in the DPC points table, well within the threshold for The International 9 invites. However, it is way too early in the season for TNC to relax. They will need to step it up by a notch headed into the Chonqing Major if they're hoping to secure a Major win for the Philippines.