Execration Knocks Out Team SMG From the TI10 SEA Qualifier

Execration has eliminated Team SMG from the TI10 SEA qualifier, ending their DPC 2021 run and chances to qualify for The International 10. SMG should have won the first and second game to close out the series but failed to do so in the first, leaving them at 1-1. Even though both teams had competitive and stable drafts, Execration outplayed them in the final game, taking a 2-1 series victory. Damien "kpii" Chok and Yeik "MidOne" Nai Zheng, who have taken part in every TI since 2015 and 2016 respectively will find it tough to digest not getting into the grandest tournament this year.

Team SMG’s TI10 SEA qualifier run comes to an end; Execration keeps hopes alive

SMG did not come into the qualifier as the top favorite, but with a reformed roster and a number of seasoned players, they had a decent chance to win. Things did not go their way in the first series as despite putting up a good fight, they lost to TNC Predator 2-1.

Dropping to the lower bracket, Team SMG had no margin for error, and they put in a flawless performance against Lilgun in order to advance. The next opponent was Execration, who despite turning heads in the previous season and showing promising gameplay at the WePlay AniMajor did not seem to be on top form.

However, Execration was committed to extending their lower bracket run as they defeated Team SMG 2-1. SMG had a push heavy draft in the first game and looked to be cruising to victory with some important objectives destroyed. But they let the lead slip away, missing their timings and allowing Execration to come back and win. In the second game, SMG once again came out on top during the laning stage and this time, despite a couple of minor hiccups, closed out the game.

Even though SMG had decent matchups, they underperformed in the third and final game. As Execration played methodically, engaged in clean teamfights, and ultimately secured all objectives, they sealed the deal.

Here are some highlights of the series.

All three of Team SMG's veterans - Kam “Moon” Boon Seng, kpii, and MidOne were in one of the world's most prestigious Dota 2 teams before they joined this organization. Kpii played for TNC Predator, Moon for Fnatic, and MidOne for OG. However, for separate reasons, they parted ways with their respective teams. In order to succeed and qualify for TI10, they joined hands with Tue “ah fu” Soon Chuan and Roger “Roddgeee” Tan Boon Thye, but the team could not meet the standard of the qualifier and therefore were eliminated.

On the other hand, Execration plans to continue making a run in the lower bracket as they fight for the final TI10 spot. Execration and OB.Neon will now face off in an all-Filipino battle in the next round of the TI10 SEA qualifier lower bracket.