Cover-Credits:
BOOM Esports knew it would have to put on a spectacular display when it faced PSG.LGD in the first round of the upper bracket playoffs in the PGL Arlington Major, but it did not manage to rise to the occasion, losing the series by a 2-0 scoreline. The masterclass by the Chinese squad continued as the playoffs kicked off as it proved to be the better team in all department of the game to take down the Southeast Asian (SEA) squad. BOOM Esports' loss places it in the lower bracket of the Arlington Major now, adversely affecting its chances of getting a direct invite to The International 11 (TI11).
PSG.LGD vs BOOM Esports: Match recap and highlights
Recap
Game 1 saw both teams emerge relatively evenly after the laning stage, although BOOM did not fare as well as it had planned against Ame's Faceless Void after selecting a final pick Venomancer in the offlane to counter it. As the game progressed, BOOM looked to be on edge, making some uncharacteristically aggressive plays that did not work out well. PSG.LGD, on the other hand, proceeded to play textbook Dota 2 in all facets, winning the 34-minute game with 31 kills to BOOM's 11.
In game 2, PSG.LGD had solid lanes, with the ideal lane matchups for its three cores. There wasn't much activity during the laning stage, but when the teams began to interact, PSG.LGD's stronger matchups became to bear fruit for the team. Ame was not only skilled at farming on Ursa, but he also understood the importance of being in the right spot at the right moment for his team. While BOOM showed some signs of life after punishing two enemy mistakes, the Chinese squad rallied and ended the game in 40 minutes, before JaCkky's Medusa could become a concern.
Highlights
Here are some highlights of the series.
Over the past two years, PSG.LGD has been in phenomenal form, hardly ever appearing as an underdog in any match. With just one loss out of 17 games played in the Arlington Major so far, the team is cruising past opponent after opponent. If any team is going to be able to defeat the raidboss of Dota 2 in the event, it will take a really strong effort, perhaps from a team that finds the right momentum as the playoffs progress.
It was always going to be an uphill climb for BOOM Esports, and it was just too hard to accomplish. It seemed that the team was a little under pressure at certain points during both games, perhaps sensing the strength of its opponent.
In the lower bracket, BOOM Esports will take on Team Liquid. It is essential for both teams to win this series in order to guarantee their direct invitation to TI11. According to Dota 2 statsman Ben "Noxville" Steenhuisen, BOOM might qualify for TI11 even if it loses, but Liquid has to win. This matchup, which takes place on 10th August, is sure to be exciting.
